HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2125

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to videoconferencing.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that active citizen participation in government is necessary for a healthy democracy.  However, the ability of neighbor island residents to fully participate can be diminished by their geographic distance from the state capitol.  Advances in communication technology make it possible to expand opportunities for citizen participation in government, and every effort should be made to use this technology to increase access to government for neighbor island residents.  The legislature also finds that videoconferencing equipment is already in place in several locations in the county of Hawaii, and is used by the county council for the purpose of expanding citizen access to government.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the house of representatives to coordinate with the county of Hawaii and to implement rules to establish a pilot videoconferencing program to allow county of Hawaii residents to provide live oral testimony through audio or audiovisual technology.

     SECTION 2.  The house of representatives shall establish, by rule, procedures for a pilot project to enable the house to use audio or audiovisual technology at legislative committee hearings to receive live oral testimony from county of Hawaii residents.  The house of representatives shall coordinate with the county of Hawaii to identify sites or facilities that have existing audio and audiovisual capabilities that could be used to allow residents to present live oral testimony from the county of Hawaii.

     (b)  In carrying out the duties prescribed under subsection (a), the house of representatives shall consult with the chief information officer, who shall ensure that the audio or audiovisual technology to implement this section:

     (1)  Satisfies the technical requirements of the State's existing network infrastructure;

     (2)  Adheres to best practices;

     (3)  Is compatible with multiple platforms; and

     (4)  Is provided appropriate resources and support.

     (c)  The house of representatives shall consult with the disability and communication access board to ensure that all activities conducted pursuant to this section comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $        or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the use of audio or audiovisual technology to enable county of Hawaii residents to present live oral testimony at legislative committee hearings.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the house of representatives for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2016.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 



 


 

Report Title:

Audiovisual Technology; Videoconferencing; Legislative Hearings; Testimony; Teleconferencing; Hawaii County

 

Description:

Requires the House of Representatives to implement rules for a pilot program to enable the House to receive live oral testimony from the county of Hawaii through audio or audiovisual technology.  Requires consultation with the county of Hawaii, the chief information officer and the disability and communication access board.  Appropriates funds to establish audio or audiovisual systems.  Effective 7/01/2014, sunsets 6/30/16.

 

 

 

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