Committing To Provide Greater Public Access To The Legislative Process By Adopting Rules To Allow For Virtual Testimony, Hearing Recordings, And Internet Broadcasts Of Hearings Beyond Periods Of Catastrophic Events.
The bill builds on prior commitments by the legislature to improve public access, initiated since Act 331 in 1989, and emphasizes the importance of these measures during the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution acknowledges that remote meetings can facilitate legislative participation by connecting individuals across the islands through interactive technology, hence allowing for timely public engagement and testimony that are crucial to the legislative process.
Senate Resolution 55 (SR55) aims to enhance public engagement in Hawaii's legislative process by committing to greater accessibility through the adoption of rules allowing virtual testimony, recording hearings, and broadcasting hearings via the Internet. This initiative is a response to the challenges faced by residents of Hawaii, especially those from the outer islands, in participating in legislative activities due to the high costs and logistical difficulties associated with travel. Approximately four hundred thousand residents could benefit from these measures, which allow them to engage without needing to attend in person.
During the discussions, proponents of SR55 argued that these changes reflect a necessary evolution in how the legislative process accommodates diverse constituents, particularly those who may have health concerns or logistical limitations. Critics, however, might raise questions about the potential for decreased personal engagement in the legislative process and the implications of permanently adopting remote procedures after the initial pandemic context. There is also a focus on ensuring that such adaptations do not conflict with the principles of the state's sunshine law, which emphasizes transparency and public involvement in governance.