Every legislative session, government leaders, community groups, and the public are given the opportunity to address issues and concerns regarding upcoming bills, legislative activity, and various issues via Capitol Commentary. A production team is available at the State Capitol to videotape 5-minute commentaries that are cablecast on our channels as well as made available on our web-based ‘ŌleloNet video-on-demand service.

As an extension of Capitol Commentary, on opening day of the legislature, student video crews interview lawmakers and citizens for a special Youth Capitol Commentary. To reserve a taping session while the legislature is in session, email capitolcommentary@olelo.org.

From Media Literacy to Civic Participation
“…to be better stewards of our communities, we need to understand the issues that are going on around us. When I was new at ‘Ōlelo, I thought, ‘What’s the point of going to the State Capitol? It’s us versus them.’ But now that I’m involved in my community and have met our legislators, I can also see things from their point of view. I may or may not agree with them,
but now I can understand why certain things are done. The experience allowed me to expand my mind. Once you experience different things, a part of you changes. A part of you grows.”

– Naturalee Puou, Former ‘Ōlelo Wai’anae Intern, Youth Capitol Commentary participant