The start of the 2020 Hawaii Legislative Session in January is fast approaching, and lawmakers are bound to take up an issue that you care about.

In addition to the every year debates on legalizing recreational marijuana use and gambling in Hawaii, important bills that could impact West Maui are introduced.

Success stories in recent years include funding the Lahaina Bypass, purchasing Lipoa Point to keep the Honolua Bay area in open space and protecting residents at the Front Street Apartments from rent increases.

If you are in the dark about how laws are created in our state and how you can have an influence on them, the Public Access Room (PAR) will hold a helpful workshop in Lahaina this week.

PAR will demystify our state’s legislative process and teach citizens how they can have a say in which bills become law.

“How-to” guides, informational handouts and other resources will be available at the workshop in the Lahaina Intermediate School Cafeteria on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Drop-ins are welcome. For additional information, call 984-2400, extension 7-0478, or e-mail par@capitol.hawaii.gov.

A division of the state’s nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau, PAR is the public’s office at the State Capitol. Its role is to assist residents as they engage in state legislative government.

Attend the workshop to learn how to have a say in the state legislative process.