Get Engaged in County Government!

Message from OHA Outreach, May 13, 2021

As the Hawaiʻi state legislative bill making process has now been handed to the Governor to sign or veto measures passed by the legislature, we must ALSO turn our collective attention to the county governments.

Did you know that each county is in the middle of its budgeting process? That's right! Councilmembers and their respective mayors are working diligently to craft budgets that continues to provide essential government services in fiscally efficient and effective ways.

The good news is that we can get in on the action! Here's how:

Step 1: Learn About Your County Budget Bills

Each county develops an operation and capital budget for public review. If you feel moved to support, oppose or offer comments on any of the items you see in these budget bills, please contact your councilmembers! 

County of Kauaʻi

Bill No. 2818 -  A Bill for an Ordinance Relating to the Operating Budget and Financing Thereof for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 (Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budget)

Bill No. 2819 - A Bill for an Ordinance Relating to Capital Improvements and Financing Thereof for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 (Fiscal Year 2021-2022 CIP Budget)

City and County of Honolulu

Bill 06(21) - Relating to the Executive Operating Budget and Program for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

Bill 07(21) - Relating to the Executive Capital Budget and Program for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

County of Maui

Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Session Process

County of Hawaiʻi

BIL 021 Draft 01 2020-2022 - The Proposed Operating Budget FY 2021 – 2022

BIL 022 Draft 01 2020-2022 - The Proposed Capital Budget and Six-Year Capital Improvements Program FY 2021 - 2022

Step 2: Check the Calendar

Check the council calendar for your county to find the next opportunity to submit testimony on your county's budget bill. It could be at a budget or finance committee meeting or during a full council meeting.

Kauaʻi County Council Calendar
Honolulu City Council Calendar
Maui County Council Calendar
Hawaiʻi County Council Calendar

Step 3: Offer Your Testimony

Based on your research, prepare and submit your testimony for the bill. Information on when and how you can submit testimony is available in every meeting agenda (linked below by county).

Kauaʻi County Council
Honolulu City Council
Maui County Council
Hawaiʻi County Council

If you're ever in need of assistance, just give your area councilmember a call. They'd love to help you!

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Whether it's for the budget bills listed above, or another bill that you are passionate about, review any amendments the council might make to the bill(s) you're watching and continue to offer your thoughts or expertise by submitting testimony.

Decision-making kuleana belongs to each of us. Please make your voice heard on behalf of our lāhui and communities.

Step 5: Look for County Action Alerts

Keep an eye out for Action Alerts related to your county! In addition to significant actions taken on budget bills, we will do our best to keep you up-to-date on any bill, resolution, charter amendment or policy that will directly impact, or is otherwise of importance to, our lāhui.

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