Opening Day to Be Scaled Back

State Senate and House leadership have decided to scale back the annual opening day activities of the Hawaii State Legislature. Instead of the large ceremony filled with speeches and entertainment, the leadership decided to “diligently address the problems confronting this state” by reverting to a “working” opening day that “would be consistent with this expectation.” In other words, just a normal “business session” where the formalities of opening the session with the introduction of formal resolutions will be on the order of the day.

As the Senate Minority Leader, I expect that I will be able to deliver my opening day speech as I have in the past, addressing the most pressing problems (budget, education, economy, energy, environment and more) in search of solutions for the coming year. The 2012 Legislature will commence on Wednesday, January 18 starting at 10:00 a.m. in both the Senate and House chambers.

Because of the scaled back opening, there will be no invitations sent out to family or guests. No one from the public will be seated on the Senate or House floors and gallery seating will be on a “first come first serve” basis. Tickets will not be distributed.

My Senate office will be holding an “after session” get together complete with soft drinks, snacks, entertainment and conversation. You are invited to our office on opening day in Room 214.

The scaled back opening day will be very much like the one done during the 2010 session.