On Friday, March 16, 2012, from 8:45 A.M., I made a speech to social worker students from the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, and Bringham Young University Hawaii at the Hawaii State Capitol auditorium in regards to the legislative process in Hawaii. Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz spoke about the administration’s policy that affects social workers and Honolulu Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tricia Nakamatsu also spoke with me about the legislative process.
“There is a new wave of leadership. There is also a new generation of leaders coming up. We all can make a difference to better the world. There will be people who say that one person cannot change the world. I totally disagree with anyone who tells you this.
You can move the masses. How do you move the masses? Through your ideas. All you need is an idea. I believe there are two ways one can move the masses. One, put your idea into law, and two, put you idea into popular culture. Law creates precedence. Your law could be replicated by other states, the national government, and even other countries. Popular culture influences the masses. Take good notes. Who knows, you may write a book or create a documentary film. Maybe you could write a novel based on your experiences and maybe even create a blockbuster movie. Today, I will talk about the law. ‘Popular culture’ will be for another speech.”
I explained the legislative process; importance of being professional and positive; work of social workers in the Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney; and legislative policy goals of our department.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 