Off the News

A more serious Legislature, like it or not

There’s still the occasional sushi pupu plate being filled at legislative opening-day gatherings in the halls of the state Capitol. But the pomp is not nearly what it used to be. The traditional session curtain-raiser parties got their most serious ratcheting-down in 2010, when everyone thought recessionary budget-slashing made lavish receptions in each office unseemly. But even before the financial crash, the party atmosphere had waned from the giddy heights of past decades.

There used to be full-scale shows staged on the floor of the House and Senate chambers, featuring top local entertainers. And food? The place was mobbed by citizens seeking their share of chicken katsu and ahi poke from their elected leaders. People can be forgiven for remembering that fondly as the good old days.

You, too, can exert your influence at Capitol

Delving into the political process can be intimidating for the uninitiated. While well-funded and well-organized special interests have lobbyists who know the drill, everyday citizens can feel left out — even when they are passionate about community issues and want to be heard.

Help is at hand, for anyone interested in public-policymaking at the state level. Through the first few weeks of the legislative session, the Legislative Reference Bureau will offer workshops in the Public Access Room, found in Room 401 of the state Capitol. Sessions held Tuesdays at noon and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. teach people how to follow bills, submit testimony, locate public hearings and otherwise exercise their democratic rights.

For more information, see http://lrbhawaii.org/par/workshp.html.