The Hawaii State Capitol has been closed to the public since March 2020 due to the COVID19 pandemic. Residents are not happy that special guests and lobbyists have been allowed entry.
This is one of the most ventilated buildings in Hawaii.
The offices may be like any offices but there is no reason why the legislators could not hold conversations in the open air areas. There are also wide and ventilated balconies. There is even an open air dome in the middle of the capitol.
It’s unfortunate that there are inequitable practices of entry to the State Capitol. An open and transparent government must be expected from the legislators and open to all.
It’s also unfortunate that the public cannot bring protest signs into the meeting areas. This is a public building conducting the public business for the public good and purposes. The State Legislature needs to recognize First Amendment Rights.
Since Hawaii is an island chain, it must be noted that residents from neighbor islands have to fly in to participate at the State Capitol. These travels add to the costs and time for civic participation. Those in Oahu who do not live in downtown Honolulu also have to expend time and expenses. It generally takes me about 1.5 hours to drive from Kahuku/Laie to Honolulu. Then, there are also very limited parking spaces.
Of course, some aggravations of civic participation are not being heard or recognized in the decision-making outcome.
Sometimes, legislators postpone bills during the meeting there and then; they fail to understand that such actions undercut residents who have made sacrifices to participate and be present.
For obvious reasons, we have been asking for remote testimony for many years with no success.
One bright lining of COVID19 is that the government is forced to provide digital meetings such as ZOOM and residents are also allowed to testify online.
We hope online testifying during these meetings will continue to be provided and maintained. It’s been proven possible.
