The legislation is designed to allow neighbor island residents “increased access and participation in the legislative process,” according to a press release Tuesday (Feb. 5). HB 358 was introduced by Rep. Nicole Lowen (Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa, Honokohau).

Lowen is also sponsoring House Bill 361, which would Hawaii’s three branches of government “to ensure public access to information, services, and proceedings.”

“Neighbor island residents have to fly to Oahu on short notice and at their own expense if they want to testify before the legislature in person,” said Lowen. “For many people, that isn’t possible, and the result is that we don’t hear from them. …”