That was fast! We're already coming up on the deadline for bills to be out of their originating chamber's committees. February 28 is the First Decking deadline. By this date, a bill needs to: pass through all of the committees it was referred to in its chamber of origin; and be submitted to the House or Senate clerk so that... Read More Quickly Approaching First Decking Deadline...
The incredibly handy, pocket-sized “Hawaii Directory of Public Officials 2014″ (which lists contact information for Hawaii's legislators) is here. And once again its publisher, the Hawaii Institute of Public Affairs (HIPA), has generously provided the Public Access Room with an ample supply for distribution to our patrons. Once again, they’ve provided a mobile app as well. Come on by (Room 401, State Capitol) and... Read More The handy directories have arrived...
The 2014 Legislative Session is underway, and new bills are being introduced and referred to committees. Here we go! Time to start asking committee chairs to schedule bills for hearings and to offer testimony on measures already scheduled to be heard. But first off: where are the bills that have been introduced? The "Reports and Lists" button can be found... Read More New Bills being Introduced — Where to Find Them...
The deadline to apply for Grant-in-Aid funds is Friday, January 31st. The application and additional information is posted on the Legislature's website but you have to know where to look. In the upper right of your screen, click on the "Legislative Information" bar (it's the fourth one down). Under "2014," just click on "Grant-in-Aid" and you'll find instructions, FAQs and... Read More Grant-in-Aid Application Form...
If you look at the "Current Hearings" section on the Legislature's homepage, you may find an informational briefing that has something to do with the budget. The Senate Ways and Means Committee and the House Finance Committee started out on 12/18/13 with a joint informational briefing that included presentations regarding the Governor's financial plan and the Council on Revenues' revenue... Read More It’s beginning to look a lot like Session…...
Update: The 2014 Session Calendar is here: https://lrbhawaii.org/par/fyi/2014cal.pdf . It's that time of year! Folks are starting to call the Public Access Room looking for the 2014 Legislative Calendar. We'd provide it if we could, but it hasn't been issued yet. The Calendar will be jointly issued by the Senate President and House Speaker sometime before Session starts on January 15, 2014. On... Read More Where’s the 2014 Calendar?...
The 2014 Regular Session will begin on Wednesday, January 15, 2014. That means that now is the time to talk with the legislators! Let them know your ideas for bills and resolutions you'd like to see introduced. Let them know what priorities you'd like them to focus on. And don't forget to mark your calendar -- the Public Access Room (PAR)... Read More Gear up for the 2014 Regular Session...
The 2013 Second Special Session is underway, and measures being considered and their hearing notices are posted on the website. Please let the Public Access Room know if you need help finding anything, or have questions about the legislative process. (808/587-0478 or [email protected]). The bill regarding same sex marriage, SB1 Relating to Equal Rights, is now scheduled for a third reading... Read More 2013 Second Special Session Underway...
A bill regarding same sex marriage (SB1 Relating to Equal Rights) and its first public hearing notice are now posted on the Second Special Session's webpage. The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor (JDL) has scheduled the hearing for Monday, October 28, at 10:30 a.m. in the Capitol Auditorium (located on the Chamber level). Information on submitting testimony is available... Read More Special Session Hearing Scheduled...
The Governor has announced that he will be calling the Legislature to convene in special session on Monday, October 28th, to consider marriage equality legislation. Please don't hesitate to contact the Public Access Room (587-0478 or [email protected]) for assistance as the special session approaches. As always, we'll be happy to help you find the information and resources you need. Read More Governor calls Legislature into Special Session...