Vision & Mission

Vision

Healthy Policy & Civic Engagement Our vision is to have a lawmaking process that is more transparent and participatory, thereby enabling the sociocultural system to create laws that attend to a more healthy environment, culture, and economy.  In the political arena, there’s a negative cycle at play: people don’t trust politicians; and politicians don’t trust people.  Often, the end result is a breakdown in how the lawmaking system functions.  In addition, the real and/or perceived influence of private money on making laws is many times at the heart of these breakdowns.  We think one of the answers to these problems lies in the disconnect that people feel with the decision-making process. If people (as constituents and consumers) are more knowledgeable and engaged overall, we can help make policies (as they relate to government and the economy) that are long term and sustainable, not short term and volatile.

Mission

Online Advocacy & Community Networking Our mission is to help allow the sun to shine in on the legislative process, and to make it easier for people to participate.  For a long time, the lawmaking process has been shrouded in confusion and secrecy — often on purpose.  But a new day is dawning and the sun is beginning to shine in on how it all works.

We plan to continue adding tools and information to Hawaii Policy Portal in order provide even more access to and knowledge about the lawmaking process. We invite your questions, comments, and ideas. Please feel free to contact us at 783-4596.