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Get involved:
It all starts with
a conversation

The key to moving our state forward in its quest to be the "best that we can be" is increasing the number of average ordinary citizens who are engaged and meaningfully involved in the process. The "regular people" in our state have at their fingertips tremendous power, yet most are choosing not to exercise it. They have the power to sway elections, the power to move agendas and the power to set the direction and progress of this wonderful state. Yet, for whatever reason, the majority of people have chosen to leave those important decisions in the hands of a relatively few people. Worse yet, they let others make their decisions and then criticize them for it.

The challenge to legislators and to our residents is, how do we make our community, our state and the world a better place to live? How do we increase the availability of affordable housing and the quality of available employment? How do we best protect and preserve our natural environment? What can we do now to improve our schools and preserve and protect our families? How should we manage our finite financial resources, and what should be our priorities?

My experience as a legislator tells me that the degree of success in meeting these challenges correlates directly to the level of community involvement. A successful democracy depends on an active, engaged and informed community. To be successful, government initiatives must start with a community conversation and end with a community commitment to action and follow through.

There is no shortage at the Capitol of public hearings or public informational briefings where very few "regular people" even bother to show up.

The reality of the decision-making process at the Legislature is that a small number of private citizens presenting intelligent thoughtful testimony can make a significant impact on pending legislation.

During the recent legislative session an important conservation bill might have died or been postponed if not for the testimony of a single Waianae fisherman. Likewise a bill affecting veterans survived the process largely as a result of the e-mail persistence of a lone veteran on Kauai combined with the efforts of another retired veteran and wife who showed up and offered moving testimony at the hearing. When the numbers are magnified, the results are even more predictable. This is especially true when the opposing side of the issue is inadequately represented.

While sheer numbers and the loudness of the testimony does not in and of itself ensure success, being absent or silent on the issue is a guaranteed formula for defeat.

Therein lies the challenge. While many complain about the unresponsiveness of government, most are too busy or preoccupied to be part of the solution. While people might believe they are powerless, the reality is they have significant power, but a majority choose not to exercise it. Perhaps they are too busy working. Perhaps they are stuck in traffic on their long commute between job, school and soccer practice. To be sure, there is a long list of valid reasons why more people do not get involved, but somehow we must get past the excuses.

My message to the residents of our wonderful state is simple and direct.

Begin the conversation today. Speak to your neighbors, friends and family about the issues. Get involved and be part of the process. Marion Wright Edelman said, "If you do not like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it, one step at a time." You have the power. As an individual you can affect the outcomes by testifying at hearings, writing letters to the newspaper or by supporting an advocacy group and/or political party. Better yet, get to know your senator, representative or council member. If I can help, and perhaps be part of that conversation, please let me know via e-mail or phone at senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov or 808-586-6030.

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