Legislation
How to Submit Testimony at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature
Submitting testimony on the Capitol website is one of the most effective ways to be counted on a bill. Follow these steps and you’ll be ready in minutes.
The 4-Step Process
Watch the short videos and follow along. Each step builds on the last.
Step 1: Search & Track Bills
Goal: Find the right bill page, understand where it is in the process, and track what happens next.
- Search by bill number when possible (HB / SB)
- Confirm the latest committee referral and bill status
- Open the hearing notice to check the deadline and agenda
Step 2: Register for an Account
Goal: Create your login so you can submit testimony quickly when a hearing is posted.
- Use an email you can access on your phone
- Save your password so you’re not stuck at the deadline
- Log in once now to confirm everything works
Step 3: Sign Up for Hearing Notices
Goal: Get notified so you don’t miss hearing schedules, deadlines, or committee changes.
- Notices show the committee, date/time, location/Zoom, and deadline
- Track bills so you see when they move
- Add reminders when a hearing is posted
Step 4: Submitting Testimony
Goal: Submit testimony that is counted, easy to understand, and properly logged.
- Select the correct position: Support, Oppose, or Comments Only
- Use your own words — personal testimony is more effective than copy/paste
- Keep it clear and focused (150–300 words is plenty)
- Submit early when possible and confirm your submission before leaving
Write Better Testimony (Simple Format That Works)
A 4-line format
- My name is ___, I’m a resident of ___.
- I SUPPORT / OPPOSE ___.
- Here’s why: (1–3 points).
- Please vote yes/no on this measure.
Keep it effective
- Be personal: how it affects you or your family
- Be respectful: criticize the policy, not the person
- One-page attachments are best
- Submit early when you can
Common Problems (Fast Fixes)
I can’t find the bill.
Search by bill number. You need to make sure to have the HB or SB designator Infront (for example HB2026, not just 2026)
It says testimony is closed.
The bill dosnt have a hearing scheduled or the deadline has passed. You can still testify in person at the hearing.
I’m not sure my testimony submitted.
When you are logged in, it will show you on the left hand side which bills you have submitted for.
I don’t know which committee is hearing it.
Check the bill’ page, it will show you the current status of the bill. including which committees they are with.
Ready to Take Action?
Check our latest alerts for bill numbers, hearing info, and key points — then submit your testimony on the Capitol website.