Legislative Roadshow

More than a decade ago, I designed a program that would help teach the legislative process to students in my district. Through its interactive nature, the Legislative Roadshow has been successful each year in enabling elementary, middle and high school students to learn about how they can take part in our government, both on a local and a national level.

Rep. Thielen takes her Legislative Roadshow to windward public elementary schools.

As in the past, my staff and I brought the Roadshow to our Windward schools this year. At each Roadshow, we ask the students to consider two bills in preparation for the mock hearing we will hold in their classrooms. This year the students studied HB 2176, which requires a minimum of 180 instructional days in public schools, each lasting seven and a half hours. They also researched House Bill 1844, which makes the possession of fireworks illegal, except for commercial or cultural displays.

A majority of the students testified in favor of HB 2176, citing that the longer school day would grant them the opportunity to complete their lesson for the day and have extra homework help. These students felt lengthening the school day and year was important to getting good grades and getting accepted into college. Those in opposition felt their time for extracurricular activities would be taken away and that time spent with the family would suffer. Students stated that their motivation to excel in sports could play a key role in their future success and that being forced to stay in school longer would deprive them of that time.

Many students were opposed to HB1844. Family tradition and opportunities to celebrate the holidays with fireworks were frequently raised as oppositional arguments. The students were concerned that the bill didn’t just punish those who shot off illegal aerials, but also punished those who were using fireworks responsibly. In an effort to keep private fireworks legal in Hawaii, the students suggested sending undercover police officers to districts that are most hard hit by illegal fireworks and requiring mandatory safety tests that would be administered to people who wish to purchase fireworks.

The Roadshow is a truly special time for me. In too many cases we don’t give youngsters an opportunity to speak out on issues that directly affect them, such as fireworks and increasing the number of school days and hours. It is continuously refreshing to see how much the students embraced the opportunity to speak out in favor or against the legislation. I encourage these bright young students to consider future service in the Legislature. By giving our young voices more chances to not only speak out, but be heard, I have no doubt that their wisdom and participation will ensure Hawaii’s future to be a bright one.

Representative Cynthia Thielen • State Capitol, Room 443 • 415 South Beretania Street • Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 • Phone: (808) 586-6480