Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 208 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request an audit of the Department of Human Services for a review and analysis of the Department's compliance with its obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the measure from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires all entities receiving federal funds to provide language-accessible services, including the translation of vital documents and other oral language services, for persons with limited English proficiency. The reported data will facilitate an assessment of the Department of Human Services' protocols, staff training, and oversight of the language assistance program to facilitate meaningful access by people with limited English proficiency and to ensure full compliance with federal requirements.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 208 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.