Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2568, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide funding to the Departments of Human Services and Health to enhance their ability to provide services to persons with limited proficiency in English.

The bill also establishes a Commission on Language Access to develop a statewide plan to enhance access to services for persons with limited proficiency in English.

Your Committee realizes that under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, states that receive federal financial assistance are supposed to provide meaningful access to services, programs, and activities for persons with limited English proficiency. Since the State receives federal funds, its programs must be in compliance with this requirement. Your Committee also finds that it is appropriate for the State to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all of its citizens, including those with limited proficiency in English, by ensuring that all residents have meaningful access.

In addition to funding crucial programs in the Departments of Human Services and Health, the institution of a Commission on Language Access is necessary. The Commission will help the State to become proactive in making all of its programs and services accessible, rather than waiting until the lack of access forces expensive remedial action on the State.

Your Committee has amended this bill by changing the amount of the appropriation for part-time assistance to a blank amount for further discussion, and by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2568, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2568, S.D. 2.