MEDIA RELEASE

The Public Access Room (PAR) will conduct a series of free neighborhood workshops entitled, “We the Powerful!”

These 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’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:

* 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 10, Mountain View Public Library

* 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 11, Hilo Public Library

* Noon, Wednesday, Dec. 12, North Kohala Public Library

* 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12, Waimea Thelma Parker Library

* 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 13, Naalehu School Cafeteria

* Noon, Saturday, Dec. 15, Kailua-Kona 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.

Contact PAR directly to make arrangements if special assistance or services such as sign language interpreters are needed.