The Public Access Room provides the general public with information about the legislative process. PAR staff assists the public in using the Legislature's Web site, which generates the status and text of bills and resolutions. The PAR keeps copies of legislation, hearing notices, committee reports, and floor proceedings; and information about legislators and the Legislature's structure, timetables and procedures. The PAR is equipped with typewriters, computers, and a copier for preparing testimony. At the PAR, the public may hear audio broadcasts or view video broadcasts of legislative proceedings in the Capitol. The PAR provides small document storage units for PAR users and a TTY machine for the hearing impaired. Reference materials maintained at the PAR include the Hawaii Revised Statutes, Session Laws, LRB studies and Legislative Auditor reports.

Visit the PAR web site.

History

The Public Access Room (PAR ) opened in 1991 in response to public requests for a place where citizens could meet, review legislation and prepare testimony. Originally staffed and supported by community volunteers from public service organizations, the PAR was established as part of a permanent public access program in 1994, offering a year-round staff and services. In 1996 the PAR was transferred to the Bureau.

Mission

www.hawaii.gov/lrb/par/

Our Public Access Room serves the citizens of Hawaii by providing facilities, services, and equipment to enhance their ability to participate in the legislative process.

Programs

Throughout the legislative session, the PAR offers public workshops in various areas: The Legislative Process; Testifying Effectively; and Navigating Useful Web Sites. The PAR also offers briefings for legislative staff on how the PAR serves their constituents.