Engage, Educate, and Enlighten the Community in the Legislative Process

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

To fully understand how far we have come, one must first understand where we began. Just a few years ago, access to information, public engagement, and the use of digital services was an afterthought. As the smallest county in the State of Hawai‘i, this was to be expected. Given the laid back nature of the community, you would not find many wanting to engage in the Council’s business or realize the importance of having a voice, until it was too late and decisions were already made on their behalf. In 2015, the Office of the County Clerk embarked on a journey to enhance the use of digital services for the people of the County of Kaua‘i, improve internal and external customer service, and increase public access to information and expanding citizen engagement in the legislative process. The Office revamped its access to information and now has all legislative documents available digitally. Additionally, the County communicates automatically with 1,000+ citizens when these pieces of information are available – increasing visibility and awareness of County priorities. The Office of the County Clerk has also engaged and enhanced its public outreach with community groups through interactive sessions and informational material published by the Office.