HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Opening Day at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature is an exciting and important event that marks the start of a new legislative session. It happens every year on the third Wednesday of January; and this year, the date is Jan. 15. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The day is full of speeches, new ideas and plans that will shape the future of Hawaiʻi. So, if you’ve never thought about attending, KHON2.com found 12 reasons why you should consider being part of this special day. See the lawmakers in action Opening Day is the first day of the legislative session; so, it’s when lawmakers officially begin their work for the year. You’ll get to see Hawaiʻi’s representatives and senators take their seats and start talking about important issues. They introduce new bills, which are ideas for new laws that they want to pass. Seeing the lawmakers in person is a great way to understand how decisions are made and how they affect the state. Watching them work helps you see democracy in action! Meet and talk to your elected representatives One of the most important aspects of Opening Day is the chance to meet your elected representatives and senators. You can speak with them directly about the issues that matter most to you. While they are often busy during the session, Opening Day offers an opportunity to introduce yourself, ask questions and share your thoughts on what needs to be done in your community. Having a personal connection with lawmakers helps you feel like your voice is being heard. It’s an excellent way to build relationships and open the door for further communication throughout the legislative year. Hear the governor’s State of the State Address On Opening Day, the Governor of Hawaiʻi gives a speech called the “State of the State Address.” This is an important part of the event. In the speech, the Governor talks about the state’s current situation and what needs to be improved in the future. The Governor shares ideas for new projects, goals and laws that will affect everyone in Hawaiʻi. Listening to this speech can give you a better idea of what the state government is working on and how it could impact you and your community. Understand the personal stories behind the issues Opening Day is not just about bills and laws; it’s about the people who create and push them forward. Each lawmaker has their own reasons for advocating for certain issues, and many of these reasons are deeply personal. By attending, you can listen to your representatives and senators speak about why they are passionate about certain bills or ideas. This helps you understand that the decisions being made are not just numbers on a page but real efforts to address issues that impact families, communities and future generations. It’s a chance to hear stories, learn about the struggles and understand the passion behind the policies. Learn about the issues that matter to you Opening Day is when lawmakers present their plans for the upcoming year. This means you’ll hear about important issues that could affect your daily life, like education, healthcare, transportation, and the environment. If you care about a particular topic, Opening Day is a great time to learn more about it. You’ll hear from people who are passionate about solving problems and making Hawaiʻi a better place. This day can help you understand what’s being done to address the issues you care about. Experience the excitement of the day For many people, the energy and excitement of Opening Day are what make it truly special. It’s not often that you get to be part of the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s government. Whether it’s seeing the Governor give the State of the State Address or witnessing lawmakers’ reactions to the day’s proceedings, there’s an electric atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than just the events of the day. The experience a reminder that democracy is active and alive, and you get to experience it firsthand. Get involved and make your voice heard Attending Opening Day gives you a chance to see how decisions are made, but it also shows you how you can get involved. As a citizen, you have the power to influence what happens at the legislature. You can contact your lawmakers and share your thoughts or concerns about the bills being introduced. If you attend Opening Day, you might even be inspired to speak up, write letters or attend committee meetings. This is your opportunity to be part of the process! Build community connections Opening Day is not only for government officials. It’s a gathering for citizens as well. You’ll find people from all walks of life who care about Hawaiʻi’s future, from local activists to community leaders. Attending the event can help you meet others who share your interests and concerns. It’s an excellent opportunity to network, learn about different perspectives and perhaps even find ways to collaborate on causes you care about. Whether you’re passionate about environmental issues, education or health care, you’ll likely meet people who share your vision and want to make a difference in the state. Support local democracy Opening Day is an important reminder of the power of democracy in Hawaiʻi. It’s when your elected representatives come together to work on behalf of the people. Attending the event shows that you care about the decisions being made for the future of Hawaiʻi. By being there, you show that you’re interested in your community and in the way your state is governed. It’s an easy way to support local democracy and make sure that your voice is part of the conversation. Witness history in the making Opening Day is a moment in time when history is being made. The bills presented and the ideas discussed can change the future of Hawaiʻi. By being there, you get to be part of that history. Many people leave Opening Day with a sense of pride, knowing that they were present at the very start of important conversations that could impact the state for years to come. Whether a bill passes or fails, the ideas discussed on this day will shape how Hawaiʻi moves forward. Witnessing this process gives you a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of how the political system works. It allows you to feel like an active participant in shaping the future of your state. Support and celebrate local leadership Opening Day isn’t just about lawmakers; it’s also a chance to recognize and celebrate local leadership. Attending allows you to show your support for those who work tirelessly to represent your community. You can personally thank representatives and senators for their work or congratulate them on their accomplishments. This shows that you value their efforts and encourages a culture of gratitude and respect between citizens and public officials. It’s also a moment to express your appreciation for the public servants who are dedicating their time and energy to making Hawaiʻi a better place for everyone. You can meet the folks at PAR If you have not been by the Public Access Room, then you are in for a treat. Located at the Hawaii State Legislature, it’s one of only two in the entire United States. This special space is dedicated to helping residents engage with the legislative process. Whether you're attending a hearing, researching a bill or simply need guidance on how to participate in lawmaking, the staff are there to assist. The Public Access Room makes it easier for anyone to get involved and ensures that the voices of all of Hawaiʻi's citizens can be heard in the Capitol. Opening Day at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature is an opportunity to learn, get involved and make a difference. Whether you’re interested in hearing about new laws, understanding the Governor’s plans for the state or simply supporting your community, attending this event is a great way to stay informed and active. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 The event is taking place at the Hawaii State Legislature building on South Beretania St. from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday Jan. 15. See you there!