Introduction
Conducting public policy research in Hawaii requires access to a variety of state resources that provide comprehensive data, legislative information, and analytical tools. This guide highlights key Hawaii government resources essential for effective public policy research.
Key Hawaii Government Resources for Public Policy Research
Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB)
The LRB is a nonpartisan legislative service agency that offers a wide range of services to legislators, legislative committees, and the public. It provides access to:
- Session Reports: Detailed analyses of legislative sessions.
- Public Access Room: A resource for understanding legislative processes.
- Guide to Government in Hawaii: An overview of state government structure and operations.
- Address: 415 S Beretania St., Room 005, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Phone: (808) 587-0690
- Website: (lrb.hawaii.gov)
- Coastal Zone Management Program: Manages Hawaii’s coastal resources.
- Environmental Review Program: Assesses environmental impacts of state projects.
- Statewide Sustainability Program: Promotes sustainable development practices.
- Address: 235 S Beretania St., Suite 702, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Phone: (808) 587-2846
- Website: (planning.hawaii.gov)
- Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA): Ensures public access to government records.
- Sunshine Law: Governs open public meetings.
- Address: 465 S King St., Room 104, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Phone: (808) 586-1400
- Website: (oip.hawaii.gov)
- Address: 235 S Beretania St., Suite 702, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Phone: (808) 586-2020
- Website: (energy.hawaii.gov)
- Federal Documents Collection: Materials from U.S. government agencies.
- United Nations Collection: Publications from the UN and its affiliated agencies.
- Address: 2550 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822
- Phone: (808) 956-7205
- Website: (manoa.hawaii.edu)
- Identify Your Research Needs: Determine the specific data or information required for your policy analysis.
- Access Online Databases: Utilize the online portals and databases provided by these agencies and institutions.
- Engage with Staff: Reach out to agency staff for guidance on accessing and interpreting data.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check for new publications, reports, and legislative updates relevant to your research.
- Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB): Provides access to session reports and the Guide to Government in Hawaii.
- Office of Planning and Sustainable Development (OPSD): Oversees programs like the Coastal Zone Management Program and the Statewide Sustainability Program.
- Office of Information Practices (OIP): Administers the Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) and the Sunshine Law.
- Legislative Reference Bureau, 2025/https://lrb.hawaii.gov/
- Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, 2025/https://planning.hawaii.gov/
- Office of Information Practices, 2025/https://oip.hawaii.gov/
- Hawaii State Energy Office, 2025/https://energy.hawaii.gov/business-industry-government/
- University of Hawaii at Manoa Libraries, 2025/https://manoa.hawaii.edu/library/research/collections/government-documents/
Contact Information:
Office of Planning and Sustainable Development (OPSD)
OPSD gathers, analyzes, and provides information to assist in the formulation of state policies and strategies. It oversees several programs, including:
Contact Information:
Office of Information Practices (OIP)
OIP administers laws promoting open and transparent government in Hawaii, including:
Contact Information:
Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO)
HSEO identifies market gaps and innovation opportunities, collaborates with stakeholders, and facilitates public-private partnerships to develop projects, programs, and tools supporting the State’s energy security and decarbonization goals.
Contact Information:
University of Hawaii at Manoa Libraries
The Hamilton Library at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is the state’s largest research library, offering extensive government documents collections, including:
Contact Information:
Utilizing These Resources
To effectively navigate these resources:
Conclusion
Accessing and effectively utilizing Hawaii’s government resources is crucial for comprehensive public policy research. By leveraging the tools and information provided by these agencies and institutions, researchers can gain valuable insights to inform policy decisions and contribute to the state’s development.