Honolulu Council Can Meet By Video, But Not The Public
Council members can video conference in. Citizens have to put comments in writing or show up in person.
As the Honolulu City Council holds its second full meeting Wednesday under social distancing restrictions, members may teleconference in to offer input on legislation, but island residents cannot.
Members of the public have the option of either submitting written testimony or showing up to Honolulu Hale in person to share their thoughts at a physical distance from others.
Natalie Iwasa, a city government watchdog, criticized the limitation at last month’s meeting.
“I wouldn鈥檛 be here if we could have video conference testimony,” she said. “So, I鈥檓 wondering why that wasn鈥檛 done.”
Council Communications Director Louise McCoy said the council hopes to implement a system “at an appropriate time” and in accordance with emergency proclamations.
“The Honolulu City Council is still looking into the feasibility of a system that can both provide remote public video testimony and safeguard Council proceedings and protocols,” she said by email.
“In the meantime, while the stay-at-home orders are in effect, the Council will continue to encourage the public to submit written testimony and continue to welcome individuals, if they choose to testify in person, and asks all attending to follow the safety and social distance procedures implemented by the Council for everyone’s welfare.”
Other jurisdictions are already allowing citizens to provide live oral testimony.聽According to a report by , Miami Lakes Florida has been allowing residents to teleconference in since January 2019. More recently, the Seattle City Council invited citizens to participate in meetings , and New York Landmarks Preservation Commission is or by calling in.
