If you can’t beat the swamp, join the swamp. As soon as a politician is elected, they become the swamp.

Interesting. So maybe we just need to bring in food to get some gun rights laws!

Testimony.

First a little background.  You can present testimony through the legislative website (www.capitol.hawaii.gov), drop off paper testimony to the chairman, or testify in person before the committee hearing.  This is your opportunity to voice your opinion, facts, and experiences.  Hearing notices are posted at www.capitol.hawaii.gov (see the "Current Hearings" box) usually about 48 to 72 hours in advance of the hearing date.  Most gun bills are listed under JDC / JUD or PSM / PBS.  You can also view JL808's list and updates at https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=30081.0. 

The Chief Clerk's office refers bills to applicable committees, then the chairman of the committee decide if they will include it in their hearing in which case it'll be posted on the hearing notice.  If they defer it (not hear it), then it dies for the year.  For progun bills, you want to contact the committee chair and ask them to hold a hearing for the bill.




Prior to the hearing, the committee members and staff review the bills to see what they do, researching information, and coming up with suggestions to amend the bill if needed.  The Reps and staff aren't experts on everything to include guns, so it is very important that you talk to them beforehand to teach them about it.



People can start submitting website and paper testimony when the hearing notice is posted for a bill.  The deadline is 24 hours prior to the committee hearing time.  This allows the testimony to be processed, reviewed, and available for the committee hearing.  Testimony can still be submitted after the deadline, however it might not be included in the hearing.  The staff always try their best to get late testimony processed in time.  Committees are run differently.  In some committees the Chair and Vice Chair are able to review the testimony early but the committee members may only see it during the hearings.  Also the testimonies are only required to be made public (posted on website) after the hearing.  I've heard complaints from people that want the testimony posted online early so they can counter arguments when submitting their testimony, but that's not how it's supposed to work.

The hearings are open to the public and sometimes broadcast on the web (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/broadcasts.aspx).  The committee briefly reviews the testimony and states the position of each testimony (support, oppose, neither).  They ask the audience if anyone wants to testify in person.  You then take a seat in front of the microphone, address the chair, vice chair, and committee members, state your name and title, your position on the subject, then testify.  You are normally limited to 2 to 3 minutes depending on how busy it is.  You must also submit written testimony (paper or online) when doing it in person, either before, during, or after the hearing.

Writing Testimony

There are guides for writing testimony at http://lrbhawaii.org/par/pub/egtest.pdf and http://lrbhawaii.org/par/pub/tipscomleg.pdf

How to submit testimony online:  http://lrbhawaii.org/par/pub/howtotest.pdf

Tips for testimony:

• Keep it short , concise, and get to the point.  Legislators don't have much time and will go through testimony quickly.  The shorter it is the more likely they'll read it and understand your points.
• Include facts and references.  Attach charts, pictures, court decisions, and other things that get the word across quickly.
• Include your own experiences
• Bring up different points - You don't need 100 people saying CCW is a 2a right.  Instead bring up other things like CCW benefit women more, 13 constitutional carry states, etc. 
• Be courteous, no one's going to read scathing remarks.  And the point is for them to read it.
• Word it to someone that doesn't know anything about guns
• Keep it simple and in your own words.  Don't try to be fancy or use a bunch of legal jargon.
• Use bulletpoints and other formatting techniques to make it easier to read.

Forgot to mention you can also make suggestions on how to change or improve the bill.

This is about where we are in the current calendar.  I made a mistake in my last chart as I found some bills are still going through their first reading before the House and Senate while a handful have advanced through their second reading.




Where bills went in last years legislature:
2,918    Bills Introduced
1,172    No hearing
69          Heard, failed 1st lateral
923        Failed 1st Crossover
394        Failed 2nd Crossover
130        Failed in final conference or failed final reading
13           Vetoed
217         BILLS PASSED AND ENACTED (7%)




And below is my testimony for the apprentice hunter bill.  I kept it simple, used past experience, and showed how the bill will fix my problem and benefit my nephew.

I am a hunter and support HB1970 which will allow my nephew to go on hunting trips.

I am a new hunter and I enjoy bird hunting on the mountain ridges and forests because I get to experience unspoiled nature, learn about animals and conservation, and get a lot of exercise hiking on the trails.  I would like to bring my 12 year old nephew to gain the same experience and knowledge while hunting in the forests.

My nephew is unable to attend the hunter’s education course because they are only held once per month, usually on school nights, and his school studies prevent him from attending them.  This law would allow him to go hunting with me while he searches for a class that he can attend.  This bill will also allow me to introduce hunting to my friends who are hesitant on finding the time to attend a 2 day hunter’s education class.

Please support HB1970 which will allow my nephew to go hunting and learn valuable life lessons.

Mahalo
Todd Yukutake

Great info Zippz, thank you for taking the time and sharing!

I did a test to see how to get more testimonies for HB1908 - multiburst triggers and stuff.  Helping a bunch of people do testimony on the internet takes a long time to do since they have to register for an account or retrieve their forgotten password, etc.  I said screw it and went old school instead by drafting a template and printing paper copies for people to fill out.  I gave it out at the LIFE fun shoot and HLSL in the Koko Head action bays.  People were eager to fill them out.  In fact I got mobbed by HLSL because they really wanted to do it and I ran out of copies.  They saw how easy and quick it was, as short as 1 minute.  Also several people can do it at the same time.

      

I ran into a few minor problems as I had to explain how to fill it out, the writing was messy, and people didn't write comments.  You'll see 27 of them when they're uploaded later today.(https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1908&year=2018).  Being the lazy guy I am, I improved the form with LINES AND INSTRUCTIONS so it'll be easier and faster next time.


I went to the capitol yesterday to turn in the paper testimonies.  I went to deliver them to the chair, Rep Nishimoto, but was informed I had to deliver it to the Vice Chair's office instead with 3 photocopies of each.  Apparently (or not so) the instructions on what to do are printed at the bottom of the hearing notices.  Fortunately the guys in the Public Access Room (http://lrbhawaii.org/par/) on the 4th floor helped me out by printing copies for me.   I then dropped off the copies in Buenaventura's office.  I learned I could've emailed or faxed them instead.


Next time a hearing is held after the weekend, I'll get a group together to hit everyone at Koko Head.  I think I can get 200-300 in a weekend.  Maybe 500+ on a gun show weekend.  I'll also give them HRA membership forms and instructions on how to do it online.  I think this is a good way to introduce people to testifying so they see how easy and quick it is, then hopefully they'll do it online on their own.

zippz, thanks for all you're doing. Spending all the time and energy you do for our cause is beyond commendable. Thank you! 

zippz, thanks for all you're doing. Spending all the time and energy you do for our cause is beyond commendable. Thank you! 

Welcome, and same to you.

I'll go over some upcoming deadlines.  See the legislative calendar for dates and definitions http://lrbhawaii.org/par/fyi/calendar18.pdf

Before that, we'll go over referrals and committees.  Senators (http://lrbhawaii.org/par/fyi/sencom18.pdf) and Representatives (http://lrbhawaii.org/par/fyi/hsecom18.pdf)  are assigned to different committees such as finance, water and land, education, etc.  Bills are "referred" to committees that cover the topic.  For example HB1908 Multiburst Triggers was referred to Judicial (JUD) and Consumer Protection (CPC) committees.






Feb 8th was the Triple Referral Filing deadline which means bills referred to 3 or more committees must have 2 or less committee hearings remaining or they are dead.  Example HB1970 Apprentice Hunting (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1970)  was referred to 3 committees (WAL, JUD, FIN) and passed 1 hearing (WAL) with 2 remaining to go through(JUD, FIN).  So it made the deadline.

Feb 16th is First Lateral where bills must only have 1 or less hearings to go or they will dier.  Example:  HB1970 must have a committee hearing in JUD and/or FIN by the 16th or it is dead.

March 2 First Decking means the bill must have passed all of it's committee hearings or else the bill will die.

Bills that passed all of their committees will have their final vote (third reading) by the full chamber (house or senate).  If it fails then it dies.  If it passes then it goes to crossover.

March 8 First Crossover.  The successfully passed bills will be transferred to the other chamber ( House <---->  Senate) where it will go through committee hearings and votes all over again.

One thing of note is sometimes a bill is referred to joint committees like HB1205(https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1205) referred to IAC/HHS where both committees hear the bill at the same time.  This is counted as one committee for the deadlines above.

I've seen some questions on what legislators look for in testimony.  As an aide, I read the bills and testimony prior to the committee hearings and meet with my rep to go over issues and concerns that I've found.  My reps committees are education (k-12), higher education (college), water and land, and energy and environmental.  I'm fairly new to this and I don't really know how everything works in the respective areas and what to look for.  Reps should have a better idea since they have a lot more experience than I, but still they can't know everything which is what testimony and research are for.

For example, HB2117 Limiting standardized testing given to students in school.(https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2117&year=2018).  I didn't know overtesting was a big problem in schools now.  I don't know what the procedures are in the school system, options, and how anything works so it's very difficult for me to identify problems or tell if it's a good bill.



These are my thoughts on it,  it'll be different for everyone.

First thing I do is to read the bill preface sometimes written in the first section of the bill.  It gives a summary of the bill, what it does, background information, and why it's needed.  If you request a bill to be introduced next year, try and add a preface.  I'll do some quick research online too.  A lot of information will come from the testimony. 

Testimony is usually favored in the following order, which I usually agree with:
1.  Government (Federal, State, City)
2.  Organizations (Unions, non-profits, businesses)
3.  Individuals

What I look for:
1.  Presentation - On official letter head, neat appearance, formatted well.  Important points highlighted.  This gives a good first impression and draws my attention.  Clear and concise.
2. Credentials - What gives their testimony credibility?  Directors, instructors, experience in the field, etc.  As an example in HB1908 Multiburst triggers, Devin stated he was a business owner, FFL, and manufacturer which gave him credibility when he made specific technical details.
3.  Specific - Point to specific parts of the bill.  Be detailed in your explanations.
4.  Use examples and experiences and other references  to prove your point..
5.  Know  your audience - Most legislators aren't gun people.  Write it so they can understand it.
6.  Offer suggestions and alternatives (be specific) .  How can you turn a controversial subject into a win-win.
7.  Be polite and professional.
8.  Pictures, charts, tables, links to videos, etc catch my attention and quick to analyze.
9.  What is the outcome?

Other things
1.  Putting your name and contact info gives your testimony more credibility and is more professional.  If you have a good testimony, a rep could contact you for more information.
2.  When I see a testimony with just "I Oppose" it doesn't do much for me, but at least adds to the count.  At least a single line on why you oppose it helps a lot.
3.  I've heard adding your address helps where your district rep may see it and pay more attention to it.
4

As stated earlier, Reps don't have much time to read testimony.and they may not understand what they're reading.   Some may get to read it 24 hours prior.  Some read it at the committee hearing.  Also remember they have dozens of other bills to go through too.

If you have good important points and suggestions to bring up, you should testify in person at the committee hearing or talk to the committee chair prior to the committee hearing.

Do you know if the submit testimony via email is still good or not? 

List of emails by committee for testimony submission
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/comminfolist.aspx

Would this work better for folks who find it a hassle to testify via the Capitol website?

This is an interesting bill HB1924 Relating to Health (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1924).  It came out initially as a food nutrition labeling law and was deferred (nice way of saying it died).  Then a committee brought it back and heard it and erased the entire bill and replaced it with a bill allowing pharmacists to distribute opioid overdose treatment drugs.

I didn't think this was possible, but I guess as long as it relates to the title "Relating to Health" I guess they can do it.  This is a way to introduce new bills after the introduction deadline at the beginning of the session.

So theoretically they could sacrifice one of the gun bills by gutting it and turning it into a assault rifle ban bill if they wanted to.  Probably the last day they could make a change like that is March 23rd, the second lateral.

This is an interesting bill HB1924 Relating to Health (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1924).  It came out initially as a food nutrition labeling law and was deferred (nice way of saying it died).  Then a committee brought it back and heard it and erased the entire bill and replaced it with a bill allowing pharmacists to distribute opioid overdose treatment drugs.

I didn't think this was possible, but I guess as long as it relates to the title "Relating to Health" I guess they can do it.  This is a way to introduce new bills after the introduction deadline at the beginning of the session.

So theoretically they could sacrifice one of the gun bills by gutting it and turning it into a assault rifle ban bill if they wanted to.  Probably the last day they could make a change like that is March 23rd, the second lateral.

The California legislature is notorious for these "gut and amend" bills. I'm not at all familiar with how often nor to what degree it happens here.

"Gut and amend is a catchall phrase thrown around Sacramento. In general, it means removing all or a substantial part of a bill and replacing it with new provisions that have little or nothing to do with the bill’s original intent, especially after the bill’s shell has passed through a part of the process, like a committee hearing or a vote in one chamber."

I guess that would qualify as a version of "We have to pass the bill to find out what in the bill" (now). Disgusting.

One thing I haven't figured out yet.
Why bother to talk to Democrats?
No one is ever going to convince
them to act differently.
They are are sick, and in
our case the majority.
The only man with sight
in a land of blind men is
considered to be ill.
Do not obey their laws.
can you take that step?
This is just a rhetorical question for
us Hawaii gun owners.
I do no violate any federal,
state or local laws.

This is an interesting bill HB1924 Relating to Health (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1924).  It came out initially as a food nutrition labeling law and was deferred (nice way of saying it died).  Then a committee brought it back and heard it and erased the entire bill and replaced it with a bill allowing pharmacists to distribute opioid overdose treatment drugs.

I didn't think this was possible, but I guess as long as it relates to the title "Relating to Health" I guess they can do it.  This is a way to introduce new bills after the introduction deadline at the beginning of the session.

So theoretically they could sacrifice one of the gun bills by gutting it and turning it into a assault rifle ban bill if they wanted to.  Probably the last day they could make a change like that is March 23rd, the second lateral.

this is entirely legal here in hawaii
they can amend any bill at any time
even in conference committee, which takes place after the bill has passed the house and senate
they can add in original language that was amended out,  or put in new language, or even replace the whole bill
the part that sucks about this is that conference committee occurs OUTSIDE OF ANY PUBLIC INPUT
and then the bill is voted on by the legislature, and if it wins, it goes to the governor

this rule is not abused here in hawaii as much as it is in california, as seen in punaperson's post
BUT IT CAN HAPPEN
so we need to always be vigilant and keep up the pressure on the legislature

Do you know if the submit testimony via email is still good or not? 

List of emails by committee for testimony submission
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/comminfolist.aspx

Would this work better for folks who find it a hassle to testify via the Capitol website?

Email list is still valid for submitting testimony and is another option that is quick and easy.  Need to include the relevant data such as the committee, hearing date/location, chairs, oppose/support, etc.  However the legislature prefers the capitol webpage because processing emails is time consuming.

One thing I haven't figured out yet.
Why bother to talk to Democrats?
No one is ever going to convince
them to act differently.
They are are sick, and in
our case the majority.
The only man with sight
in a land of blind men is
considered to be ill.
Do not obey their laws.
can you take that step?
This is just a rhetorical question for
us Hawaii gun owners.
I do no violate any federal,
state or local laws.

In Hawaii, there are Democrats who are pro-2A.  I don't mind if they don't believe in the same things I do.  I do mind that they uphold what they swore to protect (the constitution and bill of rights) as an elected official.

Reminds me of the saying: "a conservative is a liberal who's been mugged, a liberal is a conservative who's been arrested."

this is entirely legal here in hawaii
they can amend any bill at any time
even in conference committee, which takes place after the bill has passed the house and senate
they can add in original language that was amended out,  or put in new language, or even replace the whole bill
the part that sucks about this is that conference committee occurs OUTSIDE OF ANY PUBLIC INPUT
and then the bill is voted on by the legislature, and if it wins, it goes to the governor

this rule is not abused here in hawaii as much as it is in california, as seen in punaperson's post
BUT IT CAN HAPPEN
so we need to always be vigilant and keep up the pressure on the legislature

You have to keep in mind that first the Territory and then the State were formed to protect the interests of large land owners from the influence of their employees. We have the window dressing of Democracy to keep the population complacent, but it's still envelopes under the table that are really running the show.