The government of the State of Hawaii is structured with a system of checks and balances so that power is not confined to just one branch. There are three separate but equal branches whose powers are outlined in the Constitution of the State of Hawaii. Roughly speaking:

Image illustrating 3 branches. Legislative branch makes the laws, Consists of two chambers: Senate= 25 members, 4 year terms, House of Representatives = 51 members, 2 year terms. Makes the laws, Led by President of Senate and Speaker of House. Executive Branch implements the laws. Led by Governor, consists of executive departments. Judicial branch interprets the laws. Led by the Supreme Court and consists of Hawaii courts.
Download .pdf: https://lrb.hawaii.gov/par/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Overview-of-Legislature.pdf

As a representative democracy, the registered voters in Hawaii choose the people to serve as their voices in legislative government. The Hawaii legislature is “bi-cameral” (has two chambers): the Senate (25 elected members who serve staggered four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 elected members who serve two-year terms). Every street address in the state is located in a particular Senate District and House District. To find your districts (and the legislators who currently represent you), visit the Legislature’s website. Elections are held in even-numbered years and are overseen by the Office of Elections.

Hawaii State House of Representatives Meeting
The House of Representatives Chambers

Hawaii operates with a biennial (two-year) legislative session and is considered a part-time legislature. Legislators may hold other positions of employment. The legislature convenes in Regular Session from January through late April or early May (a total of sixty session days, which excludes weekends, holidays and recess days). The rest of the year is the interim. While legislators are not in session, their offices remain open as they research issues, help constituents (people who live in their district), discuss proposals, and draft legislation.

Hawaii State Senate Meeting
The Senate Chambers

Bills are introduced by legislators at the beginning of session; if successful, they become acts of law. Legislators may also propose resolutions and constitutional amendments. A calendar of deadlines requires legislation to move quickly through committee hearings (where lawmakers hear testimony from the public) and the mandatory readings (floor votes) in order to survive.

Both chambers establish rules governing their procedures, and organize themselves into various leadership roles and standing committees. Such roles and assignments allocate power and responsibility, and anyone attempting to influence legislation is aided by an understanding of these dynamics.