We're getting ready to move into conference! It's when the legislators negotiate to determine which, if any, version of the bill will emerge. The rules have been posted. Interested in learning more? Come join us for a conference workshop on Wednesday, 4/11/18, 12 noon in the PAR (Room 401, State Capitol). Register here. Read More Conference Time...
The incredibly handy, pocket-sized “2018 Hawaii Directory of Public Officials″ booklets — which includes contact information for Hawaii’s legislators — are here. The directories’ long-time publisher, the Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs (HIPA), has handed over publishing duties to a new sponsor, Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP). They've generously provided the Public Access Room with an ample supply of the directories for... Read More The Directories Have Arrived...
The Legislature's website is always improving. There's now a "Broadcasts" page where you can find the upcoming schedule, and easy links to past events. Read More Legislative Broadcasts...
It's beginning to look a lot like Session... The 2018 Legislative Session Calendar has been published! Find it here: https://lrbhawaii.org/par/fyi/calendar18.pdf For help with the deadlines, be sure to take a look at our handout, "Which Deadlines Apply to Your Bill?" It should come in handy as Session unfolds. Read More 2018 Session Calendar Published...
The Legislature's webmasters have set up a special page for information on the 2017 Special Session called for Monday, August 28th. It can be found here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/splsession.aspx?year=2017a. This is where you'll find links to the rail funding bill, "SB1 Relating to Transportation Financing" (link to bill) and the notice for Monday's 11:30 a.m. WAM hearing (link to hearing notice). The hearing notice lists... Read More Special Session Called; Opportunity to Testify on Rail Funding Bill...
It's the Governor's veto deadline (July 11), and he has chosen to veto 13 bills, allowing two others on his intent-to-veto list to become law without his signature. Here's a link to his press release, presenting rationale for his vetoes: governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/governors-office-news-release-governor-vetoes-aquarium-bill-vows-to-introduce-more-effective-fisheries-management-plan/ All the bills that the Governor has in his possession and has neither signed nor vetoed become law today... Read More 13 Bills Vetoed...
We're almost at First Crossover -- which means successful bills must pass their Third Reading vote in their originating chamber by March 9th, in order to 'cross over' and be considered by the other chamber. On Tuesday, March 7th, there are several hundred bills that are scheduled to be voted on. The legislative broadcast project will be filming the activity... Read More Broadcasts as We Approach First Crossover...