S.R. 55 Summary

• Commits the Hawaii Legislature to continuing virtual testimony, recorded hearings, and internet broadcasts of legislative hearings as regular practice beyond emergency periods.

• Addresses accessibility challenges for residents of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii counties (approximately 400,000 residents) who face costly and time-consuming travel to attend in-person hearings on Oahu.

• Recognizes that remote participation procedures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic successfully enabled greater public engagement and should be maintained as standard practice.

• Supports continued remote access for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with medical conditions who face barriers to in-person attendance.

• References Act 331, Session Laws of Hawaii 1989, as the Legislature's prior commitment to improving public access to legislative information and the legislative process.