Mar

15

More than Seventy Students to Testify Before Senate Committee

Capitol Meetings and Events / Education / Social Media

WHO:   Middle and high school students from participating schools:

 

Aiea High School                                                       King Kekaulike High School

Anuenue Elementary & High School                    Lahainaluna High School

Campbell High School                                             Moanalua High School

Ewa Makai Middle School                                       Pearl City High School

Hanalani Schools                                                      Punahou School

Hilo High Schools                                                     Waiakea High School

Kailua High School                                                   Waianae High School

Kalaheo High School                                                Waimea High School

American Renaissance Academy, Kapolei

 

WHAT: As part of Youth Engagement Legislative Hearing Day, students will take part in civic engagement, learning about the legislative process, and testifying before the Senate Committee on Education on the following measures:

 

House Bill 2626, Relating to Safe Routes to School.

Permanently establishes the Safe Routes to School Program within the Department of Transportation. Establishes a Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund. Assesses a surcharge of $25 for violations of speeding in a school zone and a $10 surcharge on various traffic violations and deposits these surcharges into the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund.

House Bill 2273, Relating to Concussions.

Requires the DOE and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to develop a concussion awareness program to provide guidelines for public and private schools.

House Bill 2007, Relating to Instructional Time.

Requires the Department of Education to devise four bell schedules each for elementary, middle, and high schools, except for charter schools and public multi-track schools. Repeals the general requirement that all public schools except Charter Schools and multi-track public schools include one thousand eighty student instructional hours for the 2016-2018 school years.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 32, Requesting the Department of Education to establish a task force on cheerleading to determine if cheerleading should be classified an interscholastic sport in public school athletic programs.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, Requesting the Department of Education and Board of Education to institute a Green Hawaii Program within the public school system.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 95, Requesting the Board of Education and Department of Education, in collaboration with the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, to examine local and national models of best practices for the use of technology in schools and recommend any new guidelines to increase internet access to allow the responsible and positive integration of social media in the classroom, while ensuring necessary protections to prevent abuse.

WHEN: Friday, March 16, 2012, beginning at 1:15 p.m. in the State Capitol’s Auditorium

Background:

Youth Engagement Legislative Hearing Day is organized by the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Education as part of Education Week. This is the fifth year that the Senate Education Committee has invited public and private schools to participate in Hearing Day.  Students will be testifying along with the general public.  Focused on highlighting the success of our schools and our students, this year’s Education Week celebration includes programs and events that bring everyone, from our youngest of keiki to our most mature k?puna, to the State Capitol to educate and engage with policymakers.  Education Week wraps up Friday, March 16, 2012.

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Mar

05

“Ask Your Senator”: State Senators Use New Media to Bring Education Week to the Classroom

Education / Press Releases / Social Media

Education week at the State Capitol is right around the corner!  It will be held from March 12 to March 16. Organized by the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Education, this interactive week-long celebration honors the achievements and innovative efforts of our local schools, educators, students, and various programs throughout the State, from early childhood to the university system.  The event marks nine years this year.  New to this year’s event is the “Ask Your Senator” project, which Hawaii State Senators take to the classroom.

The concept behind the “Ask Your Senator” project is simple. We want to know what classrooms and students from across the State are thinking by having the students asking Senators questions.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, I am constantly looking for ways to engage our State’s future leaders in the work we do today,” said Senator Jill Tokuda. “Their thoughts, opinions and ideas need to be heard at the legislative level, and it is incumbent on us to look for new and unique ways to communicate with them. Utilizing the tools social media provides to create a virtual civics classroom for our students is just one of the ways we can work with them to make a difference.”

This project provides opportunity for students to lead the discussion, through student driven and student oriented questions. Students may take part in the “Ask Your Senator” project as a group (school or classroom) or as individuals.  The various ways you can participate are listed below. Questions will be collected between March 5th and March 13th.  Once questions are selected, Senators will answer questions through videos which will be published online and sent back to the schools, classrooms, and individual students.

If you are a student and need help coming up with questions to ask, examples of questions could include topics such as: the legislative processes, issues or problems in your community, or general questions about the role of the legislature.

Ways to participate in “Ask Your Senator”

Email- Send your question (s) or video link to scomm@capitol.hawaii.gov.  

Twitter- Use the hashtag #HIAskYourSen

Facebook- There are several ways you can send a message on Facebook:

*  Share your message to the Hawaii Senate Majority Facebook page under the note Section, Ask Your Senator?

*  Share your message with your Senator on their Facebook page.

YouTube- Post a video question from you or your class with the title “Dear Hawaii State Senator, I Have a Question”

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Dec

29

Hawaii State Senate Adopts Social Media Use Policy

Press Releases / Social Media

HONOLULU- The Hawaii State Senate today adopted a social media use policy.   The Policy provides guidance to users, both internally and in the public.

Currently, the use of social media in the public sector is a new and emerging phenomenon across the country. The Hawaii State Senate is one of the few state senate bodies that have formally adopted a social media use policy.

The State Senate endeavors to increase public accessibility to legislative policies and information to best serve the needs of citizens and has found it necessary to explore and embrace the use of social media.

“The recent growth of social media use to communicate with government officials and organizations underscores the importance for government agencies to incorporate social media services (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr) as integral components to governments’ overarching communication initiatives,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui . “At the same time, it is equally vital that we, as agencies and representatives, harness the potential of these tools in the most appropriate and responsible manner. That’s what this policy guides us to do.”

The Senate policy supports growing adoption of social media by its members and staff while providing guidance and standards of its use to ensure appropriate and effective use is consistent and in compliance with Federal and State rules and regulations.

“Social media is continually changing the way we communicate and engage with one another,” said Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria. “While traditional vehicles of communication, such as print and broadcast hold much value, we cannot negate the importance of new and emerging technology. It is important for us to reach out to all of our citizens, and that includes the use of social media. This policy provides the appropriate structure for doing so.”

The Hawaii State Senate Social Media Use Policy includes guidance on social media application, use, security, approval, content, and management. All official accounts will be monitored by the Senate Communications Office to assure compliance with the use policy.

Here’s a link to the Senate Social Media Use Policy: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/senate.aspx.

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Aug

30

Ustream Legislative Sit-Down

Articles / Social Media

Coming Up: Sen. Will Espero, Sen. Carol Fukunaga, Sen. Clarence Nishihara, and Rep. Angus McKelvey  hold a “Legislative Sit-Down” to talk about the 2011 Legislative Session, what they are doing in the interim, and discuss any upcoming plans for next session. Watch live beginning at 12:00 pm at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hawaii-senate-majority.


Live video for mobile from Ustream

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Aug

29

Senator Espero to Host Ustream Legislative Sit-Down

Articles / Social Media

HONOLULU- On Tuesday, August 30, 2011, Senate Public Safety, Military and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee Chairperson Will Espero (Sen. District 20) will host a Ustream Legislative Sit-Down. The Ustream will begin at noon.

Senator Espero will use this online platform to talk with other State Legislators about the 2011 Legislative Session, find out what they are doing in the interim, and discuss any upcoming plans for next session. Joining Senator Espero for the discussion are Senator Carol Fukunaga (Sen. District 11), Senator Clarence Nishihara (Senate District 18), and Representative Angus McKelvey (House District 10).

“Utilizing this type of interactive broadcasting tool is something that is relatively new to the Legislature,” said Senator Will Espero. “This event will provide a great opportunity to explore engagement with the public utilizing such platforms. I look forward to continuing to host similar events in the future.”

Ustream is a live online interactive broadcast platform. Tomorrow’s event will be streamed live on the Hawaii Senate Majority’s Ustream account. To watch the event, please follow this link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hawaii-senate-majority. Participants can send in questions and comments during the event through the Ustream chat feature, by emailing Senator Espero at senespero@Capitol.hawaii.gov, or by calling into his office at 808-586-6360.

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Jul

25

Requesting Your Feedback: Hawaii Senate Committee Twitter Survey

Articles / Social Media

Hawaii Senate Committee Twitter Survey

Several Senate Committees have been participating in a pilot project using the micro blogging tool “Twitter” to provide real-time updates during Senate public hearings. As part of an overall assessment of the Senate Committee Twitter Pilot, we are requesting public feedback on how useful the pilot has been to our legislators, legislative staff, and constituents.

Our survey was developed by an interim working group comprised of Senate staff seeking ways to evaluate the effectiveness of the Twitter pilot project. This survey also seeks to provide individual committees with quantitative feedback based on public perception of tweet reliability.

While our survey is not based upon a scientific sample, we will be using your responses to evaluate and improve the pilot project.

To view the 2011 Hawaii Senate Committee Twitter Survey and to provide your feedback please click here.

Background

Senate Committee Twitter accounts were first established during the 2009 Legislative Session. On February 1, 2010 it was announced that several of the Senate Committees would be participating in the Twitter pilot program, using Twitter to provide real-time updates on the progress of committee hearings. The current Senate Committee Twitter Policy was developed and approved during the 2010 interim. Presently, participating Committees send messages or “tweets” to let followers know that the hearing has convened, which bill or measure is being discussed, and when the hearing adjourns.  During this past 2011 Session, three Senate Committees participated in the Twitter pilot program, including; CPN, EDU, and WAM.

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Jan

10

Transcript 01/07/2011-Twitter Town Hall on Appointed Board of Education Legislation

Articles / Education / Social Media

On Friday January 07, 2011, Senate Education Chair, Jill Tokuda, held a Twitter Town Hall, regarding the appointed Board of Education (BOE) Legislation. This event was created to pilot the use of social media as a tool to engage the public in the policy making process.

A transcript of this event is included below. This transcript was retrieved from Senator Tokuda’s Twitter feed (@jilltokuda) and follows in descending chronological order, from the Senator’s opening to closing statements. During the event, participants’ questions were ReTweeted (RTed), also referred to as reposted, by the Senator, followed by her answer.

For ease of following the discussion, it was decided that “Q:” would be used to denote when the Senator RTed a question and “A:” would be used to denote when she answered a question (thus in the below transcript, Q: @username: followed by a question designates that the Senator is RTing an individual participant’s question. Similarly, @name followed by A: designates that the Senator is answering that individual participant’s question).

01/07/11

Senator Tokuda: Welcome to our Twitter Town Hall on the Appointed BOE! Remember to tweet w/aloha, no putdown or personal attacks. Use the #askjill tag!

Q: @raulcharvette: @jilltokuda how will we hold appointees accountable when we can’t vote them out? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @raulcharvette A: Ultimate accountability comes w/being able to vote out the Governor & Senators doing the appointing & confirming.

Q: @eyeonhawaiigov: Do u feel that the currently elected BOE should be appointed as they were elected by the people? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @eyeonhawaiigov A: I commend them for running, but I feel that the people ultimately voted for the Governor to appoint members.

@eyeonhawaiigov: cont-If these members would like to cont to serve, not out of the question for Governor to appoint if he chooses to

Q: RT @peterkay The con. amendment was to create more BOE accountability. will a screening cmte create more or less accountability? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @peterkay A: Great Q! I feel screening cmte will diffuse accountability, which is why I don’t support one for the BOE process

Q: RT @gilkeithagaran What’s the thinking behind adding a screening cmte for nominees? How well has Bd of Regents process worked? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @gilkeithagaran A: Regent’s RCAC has had issues & if we want to get the best members on BOE, need to do it differently.

Senator Tokuda: Trying to answer at least 1 question per tweeter first, will get back to add’l questions. Mahalo for your patience!

Q: RT @p_dub: any thought to a stipend for BOE appointees? Job comes with a _huge_ workload, should they be compensated? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @p_dub A: I would support covering incidental costs re: to BOE business, similar to how other Boards such as the regents operate.

Q: RT @ryanadverderada: How can the board More easily grasp the concerns of the students if they are so far removes from individual schools?

Senator Tokuda: @ryanadverderada A: I support a voting student member on the BOE & would want us to ensure broad education-related stakeholder rep on BOE.

@ryanadverderada: cont-I also support cont to have community mtgs on each island. Perhaps could personally visit schools while there?

Senator Tokuda: Thanks! RT @fpizarro: Kudos for her Twitter Town Hall on HI’s appointed school board. Good to see public policy discussed via SM. #askjill

Q: RT @raulcharvette: Recent NYC appoint business person to run school system: Your opinion re credentials for BOE appointments? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @raulcharvette A: BOE should have broad stakeholder rep; should also reflect diversity of student population; bring skills & exp to table

Q: RT @eyeonhawaiigov: Can the process include Senate confirmation of appointees? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @eyeonhawaiigov A: Senate would advise & consent as w/other Board nominations.

FYI-RT @pen4rent: RT @jilltokuda @p_dub Should BOE be compensated? Are UH regents compensated? Answers: No and No. #askjill

Q: RT @gilkeithagaran: How big of a BOE? Should Legislature require or limit representation on BOE from each island/each County? #askjill

Senator Tokuda (response to @gilkeithagaran): @jilltokuda A: 11 members incl voting student; 1 per county; 6 at lrg. Allows Gov to appt more than 1 per county.

Senator Tokuda: Thanks for all the RT! Feel free to cont sending in your questions! Apologies to my FB friends for all the status updates!

Q: RT @raulcharvette: concur re ultimate accntblty;Best way to engage gov. & sens in shorter time frame, eg inputs to appointments? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @raulcharvette A: I would hope any Gov would welcome comments/thoughts on potential appts. Senate Hrg also provides input opportunity.

Q: RT @gilkeithagaran: Shld budget from appt BOE come directly to Leg rather than screen thru @NeilAbercrombie’s bean counters? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @gilkeithagaran A: Could make it like UH, that simultaneously sends budget req to Leg & Gov? Has never stopped them from asking directly.

Q: RT @eyeonhawaiigov: Looks like it will be set up just like all the other State Bds & Comm. How this is more acct’ble? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @eyeonhawaiigov A: Gov can remove BOE member w/cause vs. waiting for nxt election.

[Q:] RT @raulcharvette: How will you formally influence BOE priorities; Will there be a transparent document? Public input opportunities? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @raulcharvette A: BOE bound by sunshine laws; has public input process. That should not change

Q: RT @bytemarks: Do you have an idea how soon the Board can be selected? Will it be before the session ends? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @bytemarks A: Ideally if Senate-House-Gov agree, we can fast track legislation; he can appt; we can confirm before session ends.

RT @eyeonhawaiigov: Gov can remove BOE member w/cause vs. waiting for nxt election Q: How do the people force the Gov to do this? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @eyeonhawaiigov A: Many ways advocates have persuaded Gov-petitions, email campaigns, rallies, etc. Communication b/n Gov & people key.

[Q:] RT @heavygem: Thank you very much for your support of the Student BOE member with voting rights on the appointed board! #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @heavygem I have been advocating for student voting rights since I was in HS. Thank you for your advocacy & interest on this impt issue.

Q: RT @gilkeithagaran: Vetoed BOE screen cmt proposal author reportedly vying for House Speaker- have you explored bill language? #askjill

Senator Tokuda: @gilkeithagaran A: Rep Takumi was handed a draft of my bill today. We look forward to engaging House ldrshp in discussion on this measure.

Senator Tokuda: Couple more minutes to take questions or comments. Will gladly continue dialogue on FB & Twitter beyond this town hall!

Senator Tokuda: Mahalo to everyone who participated & watched all the feeds! Great comments & questions. Hope we can continue to discuss important issues!

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Jan

07

Twitter Town Hall: Mahalo from Senator Tokuda

Articles / Education / Social Media

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Jan

04

What is a Twitter Town Hall?

Articles / Education / Social Media

A “Twitter Town Hall”, sometimes referred to as a “Twitterview”, utilizes Twitter, a popular micro blogging platform, to produce an informal virtual public town hall. Just like a traditional town hall, a Twitter Town Hall provides an informal public meeting space for citizens to voice their opinions, ask questions, and engage in open dialogue with their community government official(s). In this type of town hall both the constituent and government official are limited to short form questions and answers, currently restricted to 140 characters or less.

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Jan

04

Senate Education Chair to Hold a Twitter Town Hall on Appointed Board of Education Legislation

Articles / Education / Social Media

Senate Education Chair to Pilot Use of Social Media to Engage Public in Policy Making

Honolulu- On Friday, January 07, 2011, Senate Education Committee Chairperson Jill Tokuda (Kaneohe, Kailua & Enchanted Lake) will host a Twitter Town Hall, where she will take questions and comments regarding the upcoming implementation legislation for the appointed Board of Education utilizing this 140-character “micro-blog”. Participants can tweet their questions and comments, and receive live answers via the Senator’s Twitter account @jilltokuda and can view the Senator’s replies by following the #askjill hashtag.

WHEN: Friday January 7, 2011
11:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: http://twitter.com/; Username: @jilltokuda; Hashtag: #askjill

A Twitter Town Hall, sometimes referred to as a Twitterview, utilizes Twitter, a popular micro blogging platform, to produce an informal virtual public town hall. Friday’s Twitter event will pilot the use of Social Media to engage the public in the policy making process.

Voters in the 2010 General Election approved a constitutional amendment calling for an appointed, rather than elected, Board of Education. The implementing legislation will specify how the Board will be appointed by the governor.

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