News
It’s Time for Second Decking!
It’s the last week of bill hearings here at the Capitol! Questions? Contact PAR at 808/587-0478 or [email protected]
Opening Day: January 18, 2023
As the state constitution mandates, the Thirty-Second Hawaii State Legislature will open its 2023 Regular Session on the third Wednesday of January at 10:00 a.m. — this year that’s January 18, 2023. What to expect? There will be swearing in of members, a few speeches, perhaps some entertainment, and some legislative business conducted. You can watch the chamber proceedings on the House and Senate YouTube channels. Afterwards, some…
Read more… Opening Day: January 18, 2023
Job Opportunity at the Capitol
The Public Access Room (PAR)’s sister division, the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau Systems Office (LRBSO), is offering a great opportunity to work at the capitol and get a broad overview of legislation being considered and moving forward. They are looking for two Assistant Legislative Researchers to start as soon as possible and work through the session (until early May). These are full-time temporary positions, salary is $3,200/month, and temporary benefits…
Read more… Job Opportunity at the Capitol
The Legislature’s Redesigned Website is Live
The Legislature’s redesigned website is live. See the redesigned website at capitol.hawaii.gov. The Legislature’s website design team worked hard to modernize the look and navigation of the website while maintaining the functionality that users rely on.
A few highlights of the new design are:
A new mobile friendly version with improved functionality when visiting the Legislature’s site on a cell phone or tabletA simplified home page encouraging public…
Read more… The Legislature’s Redesigned Website is Live
It’s a Wrap! Results of the 2022 Regular Session
We finally know the fate of all the legislation passed in the 2022 Legislative Session — the governor vetoed 28 of the 30 bills he considered vetoing, signed others into law, and left 6 to become law without signature. The Reports and Lists page of the Legislature’s website has been updated — scroll down to “Governor’s Actions” for the lists. Note: Until the paperwork on the 6 bills…
Read more… It’s a Wrap! Results of the 2022 Regular Session
The PAR Art Gallery
We loved sharing the artwork in our office during Art at the Capitol last week! For those who couldn’t join us, here are some photos.
State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), Art in Public Places Program.
Untitled, Richard Crawford A Concerted Effort, Robert Young A Saw, John McQueen Balancing Act Bottle, Mary Ann Leigh Boys Enjoying Recess Time – Nanakuli, Francis Haar Sight Lines/Fault Lines, Marcia Morse
Art at the Capitol
Come visit the Hawaii State Capitol next Friday evening and see some very cool art! You’ll be able to wander through legislative offices and see the pieces from the State Foundation of Culture and the Arts’ (SFCA) “Art in Public Places” program. Music from the Honolulu Youth Symphony will waft through the air, and QR codes will help you locate the artwork you want to see. Stop by PAR (room…
Read more… Art at the Capitol
“Defective” Effective Dates
We’re getting a lot of questions about what we call “defective” effective dates (effective dates far in the future, like July 1, 2050, or January 1, 2222) being put into bills. Rest assured, there’s no intention of the bill going off to the governor with that far ahead date intact.
These dates are added as placeholders and may facilitate discussion on bills that require cleanup work or negotiation. It’s…
Read more… “Defective” Effective Dates
Capitol Re-Opens 3/7/2022
We’re looking forward to having the public back in the Public Access Room on Monday, 3/7!
The Public Access Room (PAR) is pleased that the Hawaii State Capitol is set to re-open to the public on Monday, March 7, 2022! As we begin to welcome visitors, we want to give you a heads-up about some of the procedures that have been put in place by building management to access the…
Read more… Capitol Re-Opens 3/7/2022
Question of the Day: How do I get on Zoom if I’ve asked to offer oral testimony?
We’ve been getting this question a lot: “How do I get on Zoom if I’ve asked to offer oral testimony? Where do I go? What do I do?”
The answer is simple. Just sign into your account on the legislature’s website (capitol.hawaii.gov), click on the “Testimony” button (the same one you used to submit your written testimony), and locate the green box with the bill number you’ll be…
Read more… Question of the Day: How do I get on Zoom if I’ve asked to offer oral testimony?