New Year resolution: Renew interest in local politics by Joshua Cooper *Archived January 2006 article The New Year is a time to ponder, plan and participate in something that one believes is significant, and a time to be sincere in one's effort to engage in an experience that can provide new entertainment and enlightenment. It is the season for putting the service back into government. A large percentage of our population barely does the minimum action to maintain a democracy. This year will kick off an election year for the highest office in Hawaii. Many will consider registering and voting as the pinnacle of participation; however, it is only the beginning. It is necessary to expand our engagement in the affairs of advocacy. If we polled many residents living between Leahi and Koko Head, they probably couldn't name their district and their elected officials that represent their interests at the state legislature. We must all become more aware of the people employed in our name to engage in public service. Once we know who represents us, it is essential to know where our officials stand on significant issues. What dominates their thinking processes when casting their votes in our names? Is it based more on constituency concerns, party consideration, country priorities or maybe even cash contribution? The season of politics begins in mid January with the opening of the legislative session. It is an ideal time to meet your elected official. If you can take the day off, meeting your official might just turn you on to the world of politics. You can begin to explore what committees your representative sits on and where ideas you think should be implemented would be discussed. You can learn about the political process in the public information office or meet one of the many citizen groups that actively advocate on behalf of citizens, such as the League of Women's Voters. One significant New Year's resolution is to learn about a single resolution at the legislature. Every legislative cycle thousands of pieces of legislation are introduced in resolutions and bills. At the end of the cycle in May, only a hundred or so are passed into law. There are many good ideas that never become important initiatives in Hawaii. Even more alarming, very few citizens can actually name and even nominally negotiate any part of the proposed pieces of legislation. Make it a personal resolution to follow at least one bill from January through May to see what happens to ideas you insist would make a positive contribution to our community. There are some community activities that can keep one plugged into the political process. One activity that will be celebrating its second year is Human Rights Day, celebrated in March at the legislature. Community associations come together at tables for one day to serve a variety of very signficant services. One sliver of Human Rights Day is the career fair for the common good, or a fair for fundamental freedoms, where citizens can personally meet the groups participating vigorously at the legislature. Another opportunity is to find out more about resolutions and bills that are still alive and how one can assist in their adoption in the remaining time at the legislature. The final aspect is also an availability that is rare in the demanding schedule of democracy for people to network and note the common points. The various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can talk together to strategize to secure passage of political initiatives. In the concluding moments of the legislature in April and May, a coalition of creative forces could make the difference between a signing into law or a sudden elimination by a chair with no hearing on the matter. A new initiative this year will explore the isssues that the citizens believe are important, but haven't made it into the legislative framework. It is the Hawaii Social Forum where people gather to discuss the main issues and demand the agreed upon agenda is adopted into the political process. Please make it your personal resolution to be as involved as possible. Our democracy depends on you.
Highlights... Archives Classifieds Contact Credits Events Letters Marketplace Who We Are