Hawai’i State Legislation Tracker
Don’t let the decisions that impact our classrooms happen in a vacuum. Teachers give their all to our students; now it’s our turn to show up for them.
Submit your testimony today to ensure our educators get the support, resources, and respect they deserve. It only takes a few minutes to make a lasting impact.
Take Action in 3 Steps
Step 1
Draft
State the bill number, your name, and your position (Support/Oppose). Share a quick personal story about why our teachers need this.
Step 2
Submit
Head to the Hawaii State Legislature website to submit your testimony for the bill of your choice.
Step 3
Share
Don’t advocate alone. Spread the word to friends, parents, or colleagues and ask them to submit their own testimony.
Written Testimony
- Include the bill number, bill title, and your name
- Address committee chair and members
- Clearly state if you support or oppose the bill
- Introduce yourself, or the group you represent
- Explain your reason for your postion
- Factual accounts and impacts
- Personal stories
- Restate your position and your recommendation for action
- Thank the committee for the opportunity to testify
- Keep it brief, but powerful
Oral Testimony
- Address your testimony to the “Chair, Vice Chair and members of the committee”
- Keep testimony short and simple (2-3 mins)
- Focus on your message, speak clearly
- Introduce yourself, or the group you represent
- Clearly state if you support, oppose, or have a different stance on the bill at the beginning
- Use friendly relaxed tone of voice
- Don’t give a monologue or read a long speech to the committee, be conversational
- Provide accurate facts or supporting data
- Personal stories can be extremely compelling
- Be courteous, respectful, and professional
- Tell the truth and avoid exaggerations
- Close testimony by thanking committee for the opportunity to testify
- Prepare for any questions they may ask, and practice answering them