Hui o Ko'olaupoko
  • Home
  • About
    • What Is A Watershed
    • Staff & Board
  • Projects
    • Ecosystem Restoration
    • Stormwater Management
  • Get Involved
    • Calendar
    • Careers
    • Support
  • Resources
    • For Property Owners
    • Little Fire Ants
    • Publications
  • Contact
    • Volunteer Feedback Form

How to Approach Your Legislator

1/5/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
2020 active legislative session is almost here! Wednesday, January 15 is opening day and always a blast to attend. We urge you to meet the Representatives, Senators, and staff. (PS there is a ton of FREE FOOD). Opening day makes the first day when floor sessions begin and the legislature is actively reviewing bills for the year in order to create new laws for Hawai'i. Session only lasts until the second week of May!

Most legislators have a pretty open door policy. If you are following any bills or have concerns in your community, it helps to voice your opinion and let your elected officials know what their constituents want and how they will be effected in real life. 

Step 1: Know your elected officials
Find your legislator online. The windward legislators include: Senator Keohokalole, Representative Kitagawa, Representative Lee, Representative Matayoshi, Sentator Riviere, Senator Thielen, and Representative Thielen, Your representative is likely open to meeting and will respond to emails. Make sure if you reach out that you are clear about your issue and the reasoning behind your concerns.

Step 2: Track bills and testify
​The state's legislative website has a lot of great tools to help you stay on track of things you are interested in. You can look up bills, set up automatic email reminder tracking, and submit written testimony. If you hear of something you are concerned about, it's a good idea to set up measure tracking. Hearing notices are usually at least 48 hours in advance and once a hearing is scheduled, you can submit written testimony. You will have to sign up on the website with your email but you are not required to attend the hearings in person. However, just remember that your testimony is public. If you want to attend the hearing, you can either stand on your testimony (literally just stand when they call your name), or you can go up front and say your piece. Legislators are not allowed to answer any questions when you are testifying, though after all the testimonies are given, they make ask you to come back up and answer some of their questions.
 
Step 3: Set up a meeting
If your concerns are not related to an active bill or you want to make a more personal impact, you can make a meeting with your legislator through their office. Personal meetings are also a great field trip for kids, nonprofits, and active community members. Remember to be personable. Finding a connection will help leave a lasting impression and ask questions. Legislators and staff are also very responsive to email if you don't have the time to come downtown. 

It is often hard for us to see how we can make a difference. I want to assure you that I have seen bills become law or die in session because of single testimonies from constituents. Session is fast paced and it's own world. Legislators need constituents and professionals at times to act as advisers and law out the impacts of proposed legislation outside the confines of the capitol building. Your voice really can make a difference.

Also keep in mind that the legislature can recognize people and entities that have made significant contributions to the state and community during session. You can nominate individuals and entities by suggesting them to your legislature throughout session. Your voice can not only change the law, but also recognize the pillars and shining stars in your communities.

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    February 2013

    Our Mission

    The mission of Hui o Ko`olaupoko is to protect ocean health by restoring the `aina: mauka to makai. This is done in partnership with stakeholders including interested citizens, non-governmental organizations, government, educational institutions and businesses while using and focusing on sound ecological principles, community input, and cultural heritage.

    Categories

    All
    Community-Based Social Marketing
    Environment
    Family
    Hawaii
    Oahu
    Rain Gardens
    Volunteer

    RSS Feed

Picture
335 Hahani St. #1892
​Kailua, HI 96734

Protecting ocean health by restoring the 'āina: mauka to makai
 Contact ​

Sign up for our newsletter. Submit your e-mail here:

Privacy Policy
Picture
Copyright © 2024 Hui o Ko`olaupoko
Last Updated: March 26, 2025.
  • Home
  • About
    • What Is A Watershed
    • Staff & Board
  • Projects
    • Ecosystem Restoration
    • Stormwater Management
  • Get Involved
    • Calendar
    • Careers
    • Support
  • Resources
    • For Property Owners
    • Little Fire Ants
    • Publications
  • Contact
    • Volunteer Feedback Form