Hibiscus logo 2018 squareHow to Submit Testimony in Opposition to SB2413!

BACKGROUND: SB2413 is a proposed bill introduced by William Espero, which will basically ban minors from competing in half marathons and marathons in the State of Hawaii. If passed, this bill will prohibit long distance running event organizers from allowing minors to register unless they are eighteen (18) years or older on the scheduled date of the running event.

OPPOSITION STATEMENT: We strongly believe that this bill will have a negative impact on minors (not only locals, but also visitors to the State of Hawaii). Minors who compete on high school cross-country teams often have college dreams which rely on their athletic abilities. This bill goes against the basic principles of health and fitness, and instead encourages laziness. This bill will also encourage minors to lie about their age on their race applications. This is not a financial issue for race organizers, as in the grand scheme of registrations, the number of minors who register is very small. BUT those minors have a sincere love of running, and they should not be banned from doing what they love!

This bill goes to a public hearing on Monday, February 6th, at 3:45pm. You do NOT need to be present in order to submit testimony – you can submit it online! We need the support of EVERYONE – even if you live on the mainland – if your children have competed in any Hawaii race, please follow these simple steps to provide your testimony. This bill will affect locals AND visitors to our islands!

We are specifically looking for support from the following:

  • High School Cross-Country Coaches
  • Pediatricians and Physicians
  • Parents of minors who compete on high school cross-country teams
  • Parents of minors who compete in half marathons or marathons
  • Adults who successfully competed in long distance running as minors 

**IMPORTANT: ALL TESTIMONY MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN 3:45PM ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH!

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO PROVIDE ONLINE TESTMONY:

  1. Register for an account here: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/home.aspx
  2. You will receive a confirmation email – click the link in that email to confirm your registration
  3. Make sure you are now logged in to the Hawaii State Legislature page
  4. Click on the orange “Submit Testimony” button
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  5. On the left, you will see “Enter Bill or Measure” – enter SB2413 and click “Get Hearing”
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  6. You have now reached the “Submit Testimony” page. We strongly encourage you to click the “thumbs down” OPPOSE button.
  7. Attach any supporting files or documentation you might have that will support our opposition to this bill.
  8. Fill out the “Your Testimony/Comments” box to voice your opposition to this bill. Give as many supporting facts as possible. (See below for formatting sample.)
  9. Click “Save Progress” often, so that you have the opportunity to proofread and edit as needed. Once you click “Submit” you will no longer be able to edit your testimony.

WE CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! PLEASE SHARE THESE INSTRUCTIONS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW, ESPECIALLY IF THEY FIT INTO THE CATEGORIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIRECT EXPERIENCE WITH MINORS RUNNING LONG DISTANCES! THIS AFFECTS EVERYONE IN THE RUNNING COMMUNITY!

 

SAMPLE TESTIMONY FORMAT:

Introduction:

(1) Introduce who you are and/or the group or organization that you represent;

(2) Identify the measure you are testifying on; and

(3) State your position on the measure (e.g., “I am testifying in opposition to SB2313.”)

 

Content:

State or list the reasons for your position, starting with the most important or compelling reasons. Include any facts, figures, statements, and experiences to support your position.

 

Closing:

(1) Include any closing remarks; and

(2) Reiterate your position on the measure (especially if you did not state your position previously within the testimony).

 

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR VOICING YOUR OPPOSITION TO THIS BILL!