FR 2021-01209

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has announced a teleconference meeting of the Hawai'i Advisory Committee scheduled for January 27, 2021. The primary aim of this meeting is to discuss a draft report concerning the effects of COVID-19 on Pacific Islander communities. This gathering is part of the Commission's ongoing efforts to evaluate and address civil rights issues across different communities.

General Summary

The notice outlines details of the upcoming meeting, including the date, time, and instructions on how the public can participate. The meeting will last one hour, and during this time, the committee plans to review the outline of a report addressing pandemic-related challenges faced by Pacific Islander communities. Public participation is encouraged via a toll-free call-in number, and there is an opportunity for public comment both during the meeting and for the 30 days that follow. The documents related to the meeting will be accessible online for public review.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One issue to note is the limited information on the specific contents or focus areas of the report. While interested individuals are encouraged to participate and make comments, the vague description of the meeting's agenda might hinder their ability to prepare insightful questions or feedback.

Additionally, the use of technical terms like the "Federal Advisory Committee Act" and "Designated Federal Officer" may not be easily understood by all potential participants, which could create barriers to understanding for some members of the public. Moreover, considering there could be costs associated for those calling in from wireless lines, individuals with limited financial resources might face challenges participating, which could unintentionally restrict access to this public process.

Public Impact

On a broad level, the meeting offers a valuable platform for public involvement in the civil rights discussion, particularly regarding the pandemic's impact on Pacific Islander communities. It serves as a mechanism for government transparency and accountability, allowing citizens to engage directly with the advisory committee and contribute to the report's development. The accessible public record of the meeting, which will be available online, furthers this transparency by ensuring that all interested persons can review the discussions and outcomes of the meeting.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Pacific Islander communities are primary stakeholders who stand to benefit from discussions about their experiences during the pandemic. However, the absence of detailed information on what will be discussed may lead to concerns about the adequacy and relevance of the conversation to their specific needs.

The lack of information on how public comments will be used by the committee poses a fundamental question about the role of stakeholder input in shaping decisions. Without clear guidance that demonstrates how this input will influence the committee's actions, some stakeholders might feel their contributions are undervalued.

Finally, while the meeting provides a toll-free call-in option, the document expects digital savviness from participants, assuming they can access and navigate online resources. This expectation could exclude those without reliable internet access or those who lack the technical skills to engage fully with the resources provided, potentially narrowing the meeting's reach and effectiveness.

In conclusion, while this public meeting reflects the Commission's commitment to engaging with community issues and fostering transparency, careful consideration of accessibility and communication clarity is crucial to ensure wide-reaching and effective public involvement.