Relating To Administrative Rule Making.
The passage of HB 1109 is expected to enhance public participation in the rule-making process, promoting greater transparency and accountability within state agencies. By formalizing the requirements for notice and public hearings, the bill aims to ensure that communities and stakeholders have sufficient opportunity to engage with the regulatory process before any changes are enacted. This change could foster a more informed public, potentially leading to better-regulated environments and more effective governance.
House Bill 1109 aims to revise administrative rule-making processes within the State of Hawaii, specifically amending section 91-3 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. This bill mandates that prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rules, the respective agency must provide at least thirty days' notice for a public hearing. The notice is required to include a description of the proposed changes and pertinent details on how interested parties can request a copy of the proposed actions. Additionally, the notice must outline the date, time, and location of the public hearing.
While the intent of the bill is to improve public engagement, some potential points of contention may arise regarding the sufficiency of the thirty-day notice period. Critics may argue that this duration is not adequate for complex rules that require extensive public input. Additionally, there may be concerns over agencies' capacity to provide thorough responses to input received during public hearings, which could affect the quality of the legislative process. The balance between efficiency in governance and public involvement remains a key theme in discussions surrounding this bill.