By TOM CALLIS
Tribune-Herald staff writer
Hawaii County is hoping to gain a few “likes” by launching its first Facebook pages.
Under a proposed policy moving through county corridors Monday, the county’s Legislative Branch, which includes the Clerk’s Office and various council district offices, would be able to manage their own accounts on popular social media sites.
The purpose is to provide the county another way to communicate with its residents, said Councilwoman Brittany Smart, who proposed the policy.
The Internet giant Facebook is already being looked at as a natural starting point, and Smart said she expects to launch a site for her Sixth District once the document is approved.
“We’re going to where the communication is already taking place,” she said.
The policy only needs approval from the county clerk and council chairman.
Clerk Jamae Kawauchi said she has given it her signature; Chairman Dominic Yagong had not signed it as of Monday afternoon.
Smart said she will brief the council on the policy during its Government Relations Committee meeting Wednesday.
Kawauchi noted that the policy has gone through extensive review over several months, including by the state Office of Information Practices.
While launching a page is fairly simple, the county still needs to ensure it complies with state laws governing public records and fairness.
For example, posts could not be used to promote opinions regarding county business, including legislation. Additionally, anything posted on the pages would be saved and considered public record.
It also prohibits campaigning by the council members, Kawauchi said.
The county wouldn’t be the first government entity to use social media.
State of Hawaii departments, Maui County, and numerous agencies on the mainland have their own pages.
Kawauchi said the county has reviewed social media policies around the state and in King County, Wash.
Smart said she envisions the pages, which Facebook users could follow by clicking the “like” button, being used to post information on community meetings, public emergencies, and legislation.
“I really think we are being passive about our ability to communicate with the public,” she said, adding that social media can help change that. “We put the burden on the public to come to us.”
Smart already has a page dedicated to her council seat. She said that would be kept active for a short period of time while her official county page gets established.
Smart said use of social media by the legislative branch is considered a pilot project, and she hopes it leads to other county departments embracing social media.
Kawauchi said the Clerk’s Office could use a page to post County Council agendas or information regarding elections.
“It’s an incredibly important outreach and communication tool,” she said.
But calling herself a “dinosaur” when it comes to social media, Kawauchi added she would probably let the council offices take the first step.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
