Hawaii State Senate on Twitter

The Hawaii State Senate announced today that several committees will be participating in a pilot project using Twitter to provide real-time updates on the progress of committee hearings. The Senate Committees on Higher Education (HRE), Consumer Protection (CPC), and Health will be sending messages to let followers know that the hearing has convened, the bill or measure being discussed, and when the hearing adjourns.

"The new social media is the perfect tool to "tweet" real-time updates during our hearings to keep the public informed," said State Senator Jill Tokuda, chair of the Committee on Higher Education.

"There are times when members of the public want to be in two different hearings at the same time," said Senator Rosalyn Baker, Chair of the Committee on Consumer Protection. "Twitter will also help the public with long hearing agendas, so they can monitor the committee's progress and return to the hearing when we are discussing the measure of interest."

"The Twitter Pilot Project is part of our on-going efforts to use technology to improve public access to the legislative process," said Senator David, Majority Technology Leader. "We have improvements in the Capitol website, with video archives of legislative proceedings, and bill tracking systems."

To get real-time hearing updates join the following Senate Committees on Twitter at:
https://twitter.com/HI_Senate_CPN (Commerce and Consumer Protection)
https://twitter.com/HI_Senate_HRE (Higher Education)
https://twitter.com/HI_Senate_HTH (Health)

Posted at January 29, 2010 | Permalink

Governor Targets 12 Health Bills for Veto

The 2009 Legislative session was very productive, especially in light of the economic challenges facing the State. The Hawaii State legislature made a statement this year that access to quality healthcare for our community is one of the most important priorities.

Unfortunately, Governor Linda Lingle (R), has identified a dozen bills passed by the legislature this session as targets for her Veto. The bills are: HB 343, HB 690, HB 1379, HB 1504, HB 1538, SB 43, SB 415, SB 420, SB 777, SB 1673, HB 989, and SB 423.

Previous Governors would call to discuss issues of concern with bills passed by the Legislature before they would make a decision on vetoing it. We no longer have that opportunity.

Click to see descriptions of the bills

Continue reading "Governor Targets 12 Health Bills for Veto" »

Posted at July 7, 2009 | Permalink

Ryan Tsuji to Join Staff

Ryan Tsuji will be joining the staff of Senator David Ige as Committee Clerk for the Senate Committee on Health. This is one instance where we hope that it happens later rather than sooner.

Continue reading "Ryan Tsuji to Join Staff" »

Posted at December 13, 2008 | Permalink