How to:

Submit Testimony

Submitting testimony to the Council is the best way to share your mana'o and impact decisions that affect our island home. All testimony is collected during the public hearing process, therefore all testimony is public information.

  • For accessibility assistance call: City Clerk at 808-768-5822

  • If you are testifying on multiple measures, you will need to fill out a separate form for each agenda item.

  • You are strongly encouraged to register at least 24 hours before the start of the meeting.

  • To view current or archived Council meetings, go to: honolulucitycouncil.org/meetings

Submit Written and Oral Online Testimony:

(Updated April 2022)

1) Visit : hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/testimony

2) Select the upcoming meeting in which the measure you wish to testify on will be heard. (Tip: You can use key words to search for the measure number).

3) Fill out the form with your information and select the option of how you wish to provide your testimony:

a. Written Testimony

b. Written and Oral Testimony

4) For Written testimony: Type in your written testimony or attach it as .doc or .pdf.

5) Review for accuracy, then submit!

If you registered to submit written and oral testimony, you will receive an email prior to the meeting, with instructions to join the virtual meeting.

Each oral testifier is allowed:

a. A three-minute presentation on Public Hearing, New Business items

b. A one-minute presentation on all other items

Testimony will be heard in this order:

a. In-person oral testimony in 3rd Floor Council Chamber

b. Remote oral testimony

Submit Oral In-Person Testimony:

Updated April 19, 2022

Council Chamber, Third Floor

Residents may also submit oral testimony (in-person) but will be allowed in the Council Chamber only to present their testimony and must leave immediately thereafter.

Those wishing to testify are asked to register by 9 a.m. on the day of the meeting by filling out the registration form in person outside the Council Chamber. Those who are not registered will be given an opportunity to speak following the oral testimonies of the registered speakers.

Testifiers will wait in an orderly line, and be called into the Chamber when it is their turn.

Council support staff will be present to assist with the testifying process.

Example: Testimony Template:

Dear Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the committee.

My name is ____, I live in ____, and I am testifying today in support of /opposition to [agenda item] because _____

[Clearly state why you are testifying in support of or in opposition to the agenda item.]

Thank you for this opportunity to testify.

Your name

Zip code

Testimony Tips:

  • State Your Name: You must testify on behalf of yourself, or on behalf of an organization.

  • Speak from the heart: Share your personal reasons for why you are testifying and how the agenda item impacts you and your community.

  • Be Prepared: Come prepared with talking points that are clear, concise and right to the point of your goal.

  • Be Concise: Time yourself presenting your oral testimony to ensure that you are speaking within the allotted time given!