How to Participate in Big Island County Government Meetings

1. Meeting Schedule and Primary Locations

County Council and committee meetings are typically held twice a month, with sessions convening in Hilo and Kona and linked by videoconference between the two chambers. In-person participation is available at the Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni St., and at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center on Ane Keohokālole Hwy; check the published agenda for the specific chamber and meeting time. Arrive early if you plan to testify in person, since public testimony is scheduled either at the start of meetings or immediately before each agenda item opens.

2. Courtesy Videoconference Sites Across the Island

Several courtesy videoconference sites provide additional in-person access for residents who live away from Hilo and Kona, including locations in Pāhoa, Waimea, the Old Kohala Courthouse, and the Ocean View Community Association. These sites help reduce travel burdens and support broader community participation, especially for residents from remote communities. Confirm the nearest courtesy site on the agenda or with the Office of the County Clerk before the meeting to ensure the site is available.

3. Oral Public Testimony Rules and Timing

Oral public testimony is generally limited to three minutes per agenda item, though the Chair of the meeting may adjust that limit at their discretion. Testimony is taken either at the beginning of the meeting or immediately before the discussion of the relevant agenda item, so plan when to speak according to the agenda order. Be concise and focused, state your name, where you live, the agenda item, and your position or recommendation within the allotted time.

4. Remote Oral Testimony by Zoom, How to Register

You can deliver oral testimony remotely via Zoom by registering in advance; to register, email councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8255. Registration must be completed by 12:00 p.m. on the business day before the meeting, so plan ahead if you want to speak remotely. After registering, follow any Zoom instructions sent by the clerk’s office and test your audio/video in advance to avoid delays.

5. Written Public Testimony, Deadlines and Submission Methods

Submit written testimony before 12:00 noon on the business day before the meeting to ensure it is included with pre-meeting materials and reviewed by Council members. You may send written testimony by mail to the Office of the County Clerk, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo; by fax to (808) 961-8912; or by email to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov. Submit a separate document for each agenda item you address so the record clearly associates your comments with the correct matter.

6. Late Submissions and the Public Record

If you miss the noon deadline, you can still have your written testimony scanned during the meeting and added to the public folder; late submissions become part of the public record but are processed after the meeting. Keep in mind that late materials may not be reviewed by Council members before deliberations, so submitting on time is preferable if you want immediate influence. Either way, everything entered into the record helps build a public archive of community perspectives for future reference.

7. Watching Meetings Live and Archived

If you cannot attend in person or testify, the County provides live and archived video access so you can follow meetings from home. Watching archived videos is useful if you want to review how Council members debated particular issues or to prepare testimony for an upcoming meeting. Use the archive to track items over time, budget cycles, land-use discussions, and public-works projects often return to the Council agenda and benefit from informed, recurring public input.

8. Assistance and Contact Information

For help locating meeting information, confirming agendas, or submitting testimony, contact the Office of the County Clerk at (808) 961-8255. The clerk’s office can confirm meeting locations, courtesy sites, deadlines, and any special procedures that may apply to a particular session. If you run into technical issues registering for remote testimony, call ahead so staff can advise you on alternative ways to participate.

9. Why This Participation Matters Locally

Your participation directly affects land-use decisions, County budgets, public works, and public-safety policies that shape daily life on Hawaiʻi Island. By testifying, whether orally or in writing, you place community priorities on the official record, influence elected officials’ deliberations, and strengthen local democracy. Local voices are especially important when decisions intersect with cultural values, natural resources, and long-term planning for resilient communities.