“We the Powerful” is a workshop on how to participate in the State of Hawai`i’s legislative process. Presented by Hawai`i State Legislature’s Public Access Room.

PART 1 Introduction to the Public Access Room (PAR )

Overview of the Public Access Room (PAR), the PAR website and the resources PAR provides. (9:57)

PART 2 Legislators: Who Are They and What do They Do?

Find out how lawmakers serve the public, and how to find more information on legislators via the tremendously improved capitol website. Learn how we as citizens can participate in our government. (9:16)

PART 3 Communicating Your Ideas

Learn to convey information effectively by letter, phone, or testimony. Also, how to make good use of the calendar year – both during session and the interim. Introduction to the “Bicycle Bill,” an example of converting an idea into proposed legislation. (9:33)

PART 4 Bill Introduction & How a Bill Becomes a Law

Outlines where to start if interested in introducing legislation. Provides a brief overview of the steps a bill needs to proceed through in order to become law; describes committee assignments, drafts and the three readings process. (10:34)

PART 5 How a Bill Becomes a Law (Continued)

Starting from Second Reading, describes the path of a bill as it goes through vital deadlines such as First and Second Crossover. Explains the drafts and revision process. Explores methods of keeping the essence of a bill alive if the measure has missed a deadline. (9:14)

PART 6 Using the Website, Status Sheet Explanations, Measure Tracking

Directions for navigating the Legislature’s website, a demonstration on how to read status sheets and a tutorial on using additional options such as “measure tracking” once logged in. (10:07)

PART 7 More on Navigating the Legislature’s Website

Using the “Lists and Reports” icon (referred to in the video as the “Bill Status Reports” icon), exploring the Archives, Links and the online Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS). (9:37)

PART 8 Testimony

Directions and discussion on submitting testimony when a bill or resolution has been scheduled for a hearing. (6:25)

PART 9 Participating at the Legislature, Q & A

Tips and advice on participating at the Legislature, followed by the conclusion of the presentation. Questions from the audience. (7:23)

Hawaii Public Access Room

Hawaii Legislative Reference Bureau