Q. What is the makeup of the state Legislature?

A. The Legislature consists of two chambers, with 25 members in the Senate and 51 in the House of Representatives.

This year, voters elected two new senators and 13 new House members, including returning member Rep.-elect Gene Ward.

In addition, the 200 or so year-round employees will be joined by more than 400 temporary staff members who work while the Legislature is in session.

Q. When does the session begin?

Opening Day ceremonies will begin on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. in the House and 10 a.m. in the Senate. In addition to speeches by the leaders in the Senate and House, Opening Day generally features entertainment and an opportunity to meet and mingle with lawmakers after the session.

Q. Are the Opening Day ceremonies open to the public?

A. Yes, but be warned that parking will be tight and seats limited in the chambers during the session. Many legislators will open their offices and offer refreshments, and since this is the first year of the biennium, the crowd and the festivity are expected to be bigger than last year.

Q. How long does the legislative session last?

A. The session lasts for 60 working days, beginning at 10 a.m. on the third Wednesday in January. The session usually ends around the first week of May.

Q. How much are legislators paid?

A. Legislators will receive 2 percent raises this year, bringing their salaries up to $35,900 a year, except for the House speaker and Senate president, who each receive $46,700.

Q. Can legislators hold other jobs?

A. Yes. Elected House and Senate positions are not generally considered full-time jobs. Many lawmakers maintain careers in addition to their elected posts.

Q. How long are their terms?

A. Senators are elected to four-year terms and House members serve two years. No lawmakers are up for re-election until 2008.

Q. Can I visit the Capitol?

A. Sure. The building is open to the public, and hearings are generally open, although not every hearing offers the opportunity for oral testimony. Visit the Public Access Room — Room 401 — if you need help getting started.

Q. Are tours of the Capitol offered?

A. Yes. Free tours are given Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m., starting in Room 415. Schools and large groups also can make special arrangements by calling the Capitol Tours coordinator at 586-0178.

Q. If I go on my own, is there anything to watch for?

A. You might want to take in some of the architectural features. The House and Senate chambers are cone-shaped to symbolize volcanoes, the building columns represent palm trees and the pool surrounding the building represents Hawai'i's status as the nation's only island state.

Monuments on the Capitol grounds include statues of Father Damien and Queen Lili'uokalani, the Liberty Bell and the Korean/Vietnam War Memorial.

Q. Is there parking at the Capitol?

A. There is limited metered parking in the Capitol's underground parking garage, which can be accessed from Miller Street. There are more metered spaces at 'Iolani Palace, the Department of Health and along the streets bordering the Capitol. Just remember to bring quarters, or plan to visit the change machine in the Capitol parking lot.

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.