MEDIA RELEASE

Discover the Public’s Power in the Legislative Process

FREE WORKSHOP

• Easy ways to add your voice & ideas to the process that determines State laws
• Overview of the people at the Capitol, what they do there, and how and when lawmaking takes place
• Handy tips for finding the information you need
• Assistance in writing and delivering effective testimony – at the Capitol or from your home on the Big Island

Between December 12 and December 17, the Public Access Room (the “PAR”) will conduct a series of free neighborhood workshops entitled, “We the Powerful!” These 1½-hour meetings are designed to demystify the State lawmaking process, and will demonstrate ways that people can speak out at the legislature without ever having to leave home. All are welcome. No registration or prior experience is required.

The PAR, a division of the State of Hawaii’s non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau, is the public’s office at the State Capitol and has long been devoted to assisting residents as they engage in State legislative government. There is never a fee for services.

PAR’s workshops are designed to be useful to both newcomers and veterans of the legislative process. Covered topics will include an overview of the Legislature’s newly-redesigned website, understanding the legislative process, delivering effective testimony, and making sense of the calendar and deadlines. Renewed inspiration to be part of the solution will be the overriding theme.

The schedule of PAR’s December presentations is as follows:

• Monday, Dec. 12, 6:00PM – Mt. View Public Library
• Tuesday, Dec. 13, 5:00PM – Hilo Public Library
• Wednesday, Dec. 14 5:30PM – Waimea Thelma Parker Library Conference Room
• Thursday, Dec. 15, 6:00PM – Na’alehu School Cafeteria
• Saturday, Dec. 17, 12:00PM – Kailua-Kona, West Hawaii Civic Center’s Liquor Control Conference Room

For additional information, or to arrange for individual tutorials or group workshops, residents are invited to contact the Public Access Room toll free from the Big Island at 974 4000 ext.7-0478 or via email at par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Please contact PAR directly to make arrangements if special assistance or services such as sign language interpreters are needed.