Newtown state Senator Tony Hwang, a ranking member of the legislature's   Insurance Committee, is encouraging residents to turn out at the state capitol today for a public hearing about proposed health insurance rate hikes being reviewed by state regulators.  Health insurance companies are seeking increases averaging over 20-percent.  Today's public hearing starts at 9am.  In order to accommodate all those who wish to speak, comments at the hearing will be limited to 3 minutes per person. The online public comment period began on July 8 when the filings were posted for public review and such period will be open until the decision is made by the Department.