PAR Division to Provide Legislative Workshops

The Public Access Room, a Division of the Legislative Reference Bureau, will host multiple Big Island workshops to assist the community in adding a voice to Hawai’i’s lawmaking process.

According to PAR, the ideal time to learn more about how the law-making process works is in October, three months before the next legislative session.

Each workshop is 90 minutes long and focuses on matters of interest to the participants. The workshop is flexible with starting points for newcomers, but also new information for veterans of the process.

Some of the topics covered during the workshops include:

• Tips and techniques on effective lobbying, testimony, and communicating with Senators and Representatives.
• Understanding the legislative process, deadlines, and power dynamics.
• Easy to use tools, available on the Legislature’s website.
• Helpful handouts, guides, and resources.

Community members can join the workshops free of charge at several locations across the island between Oct. 19-22.

Kailua-Kona: Monday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. (West Hawai’i Civic Center Liquor Conference Room).

Waimea: Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. (Thelma Parker Memorial Library).

Hilo: Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (University of Hawai’i at Hilo UCB 127)

Pahoa: Thursday, Oct. 22 at 3:30 p.m. (Pahoa Community Center)

Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are also welcome.

To register, get additional information, or to schedule additional or more advanced workshops during the annual PAR visit, call (808) 587-0478, e-mail par@capitol.hawaii.gov, or visit the PAR website.