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Legislative Roadshow
Each year I visit schools in my district with my Session staff to hold a Legislative Roadshow. This informative and fun program shows students how a bill becomes a law and gives them an opportunity to become active participants in the legislative process. Students research bill topics and then provide written and oral testimony at a Mock Hearing in front of a "Committee," consisting of my staff and myself. After the hearing, they become the Legislators and vote on which bills should pass.
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This year our topics are the school dress code and renewable energy resources for the Elementary Schools. In the Intermediate Schools we have added Genetically Modified Taro Prohibition as a topic. For the High Schools, we have added DNA samples for Felony Arrests and Ignition Interlock Systems for DUI offenses. Bills relating to these topics were on the Legislative agenda in 2008.
The pros and cons of many topics of legislation are explored at the Roadshow. In the past, students were asked to solve the problems with the bottle deposit redemption program and have come up with some inventive solutions! Some schools even prepare presentations about the bills accompanied with posters and other visual aids for school curriculum fairs.
The Roadshow usually occurs during the Legislative Session in March. Each year we have found that the students and teachers participate with enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and critical thinking. My staff and I always look forward to our annual Legislative Roadshow, as it is wonderful to be on our Windward side interacting with so many bright young students!
Representative Cynthia Thielen • State Capitol, Room 443 • 415 South Beretania Street • Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 • Phone: (808) 586-6480