Technology may never take the place of face-to-face contact, but those who can't make it to the state Capitol now have more ways than ever to take part in the legislative process.

Updates to the Capitol's Web site will make it easier to find and track bills. This session, even testimony and other relevant documents will be as easy to find online as bill drafts and hearing notices.

Both the House and Senate say testimony submitted on time should be posted on the Web site shortly after a hearing begins and can be accessed by clicking hyperlinks on the hearing notices.

"There's going to be much more ready access," said Suzanne Marinelli, public access coordinator at the Capitol. "That's going to be a real help for the Neighbor Island people, as well."

Those actually in the Capitol can still get hard copies if needed, so computers aren't necessary, but those carrying laptops with wireless cards should be able to access the documents from the Senate floor or hearing rooms, with WiFi available in most public areas.

The public can view these electronic documents on computers in the Capitol's Public Access Room (Room 401) or in the Legislative Reference Bureau (Room 005).

Electronic copies will also be available on daily CDs.

The print shops for both chambers will continue to print documents on demand. "There's a real sensitivity to making sure people who aren't Internet-connected still have access," Marinelli said.

Those comfortable with e-mail might welcome a new preference for e-mailed testimony, with designated addresses so lawmakers can differentiate which e-mails are private and which are meant to be shared publicly.

The changes mean that some people will have to make adjustments to the way they work.

"It's not our intent to make this unduly burdensome on anyone," said House chief clerk Patricia Mau-Shimizu. "We want to make sure that everyone who needs the information gets the information."

Some senators will be test-driving the new digital system along with the public, with most documents given to them electronically, rather than on paper.

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.