Demonstrators and spectators made their voices heard at the state Capitol rotunda before the start of the legislative session on Wednesday.

Cha Smith of Kahala wants the Legislature to pass a bill requiring labeling of genetically modified produce and clamping down on GMO-related pesticides.

"The reality is the Big Five still runs the state and the people are not in control. (Legislators) are at a crossroads and I’m optimistic that they have an opportunity," Smith said. "They have a legal mandate to protect our resources."

Smith wasn’t the only one expressing hope on opening day.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser asked several people the question, "How optimistic are you that the Legislature will do something that will make your life better by the end of the session?"

Cliff Lee of Moiliili and Jeane Chun of Pacific Heights, retired ‘Iolani School teachers, hope Gov. David Ige’s experience in the Legislature will help him pass education reforms.

"I’m very optimistic," Lee said. "I’m hopeful Ige will be able to work with the Legislature. I’m hopeful it’s going to be a good working relationship, rather than adversarial."

Chun said, "I have a hunch Ige understands the people, and he has experience with the legislative view." She hopes the Legislature improves educational opportunities for preschool children, which helps teachers and other students later when preschoolers move up through higher grades.

Mark Sheehan of Haiku, Maui, president of the Maui Tomorrow Foundation, wants a better prison system and more restrictions on GMO crops.

"I’m optimistic that people will go to their legislators and get them to listen to them, instead of listening to the lobbyists," Sheehan said.

Netra Halperin, also of Haiku, went to the Capitol to meet with legislators because "when you connect with the people who make the decisions, they listen to you more," she said. "So, yes, I am optimistic. The people of the state have become more active in expressing our needs and wants, giving the (Legislature) a clear directive of what we want."

Echoing Sheehan, Halperin also said she wants a better prison system and more restrictions of genetically modified crops.

Craig Peterson, a 15-year-old sophomore from Kapolei High School, went to the Capitol with other high school and middle school students to lobby legislators to create rules that would restrict teen access to medical marijuana.

"Teens are not responsible by themselves," Peterson said. "So, yes, I’m optimistic."

Kathy Dang, an 18-year-old senior at Kapolei High who was with Peterson, also said she’s hopeful that legislators will restrict teen access to medical marijuana. "It’s always better to be positive," Dang said.

But not everyone at the rotunda shared such a positive outlook.

"How optimistic am I? Kind of no. I’m more on the pessimistic side," said Matthew Kirk, a youth development specialist with the Institute for Family Enrichment, who leans Republican.