How to Submit Testimony at the Hawaii State Legislature
Note: There may be strict deadlines for submitting written testimony and requesting to testify remotely. Consult the bottom of the hearing notice for details. Any request for exceptions should be made to the appropriate committee clerk.
- Go to the Legislature’s website (www.capitol.hawaii.gov) and click on “Sign In” (upper right corner of the screen) and enter your email address and password.
- Next, click on the orange “Testimony” icon located in center screen.
- Enter the bill number, and then click “Continue“.
(Just the bill number, no draft numbers and no spaces. Ex., enter “HB123” rather than “HB123 HD1 SD1.”) The hearing information (committee name, hearing room and date of hearing) will pop up. (Note: If there’s not a hearing scheduled for that measure, you won’t be able to continue. Check to make sure you typed in the correct measure number. If you need assistance, contact PAR at (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov.) - Fill out the form. If you plan to also offer remote oral testimony, confirm that your full name appears correctly so that it matches your Zoom identity. Next, let them know whether you support or oppose the bill. Select whether you are testifying as an individual or on behalf of an organization. Indicate whether you plan to offer written testimony only, or if you would also like to present oral testimony via Zoom (see next page) or in person.
- Write your testimony and save itas a file on your computer. Then, upload your testimony by clicking on the button that reads “Choose File” or “Browse” to find and attach the document.
OR - You can type your testimony in the “Testimony/Comments” box. (If you
want to save what you have typed, and return to it later, click on “Save Progress.” Your testimony link will appear in the column-on the left, highlighted in dark pink. Click on “edit” to resume your work.)
- Write your testimony and save itas a file on your computer. Then, upload your testimony by clicking on the button that reads “Choose File” or “Browse” to find and attach the document.
- Click “Submit.” Indication that your written testimony has been successfully submitted will appear in the left-column, highlighted in green. If you asked to testify via Zoom, you should see the notation “Zoom requested”. This turns into a Zoom link button labeled “Join” three hours prior to the hearing if your request to testify on Zoom has been accepted. (Note: If your request was denied, you will receive an email indicating that you will not be able to testify remotely.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L4PwY2Zc5M