HB2446

SECTION 1. For many people in Hawaii, English is not their primary language, and they have only a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. According to the 2000 census, nearly two hundred ninety thousand people, or twenty‑four per cent of Hawaii's population, speak a language other than English at home, including more than two hundred fifty thousand people who speak an Asian or Pacific Island language. For persons who are limited English proficient, language barriers prohibit them from fully participating in the community and can undermine their ability to be self‑sufficient and productive.

Recently, the legislature enacted Act 290, Session Laws of Hawaii 2006, codified as part of chapter 371, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to address the language access needs of limited English proficient persons by, among other things, requiring each state agency to take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access by limited English proficient persons to services, programs, and activities funded and provided by the State. As the lead agency for the State in this regard, the department of labor and industrial relations plays a critical role.

All state agencies and other covered entities are required to establish a plan for language access to provide equal, meaningful access to essential government services, such as social services, job training, employment assistance, fair and impartial hearings, and emergency assistance, to all of Hawaii's diverse population.

As of October 2007, seventeen language access plans have been completed. As the implementation of the plans approaches, two major stumbling blocks hinder meaningful access to essential government services for persons who are limited English proficient. First, there is no comprehensive system in Hawaii to identify language interpreters and translators and to refer interpreters or translators to the state agencies and other covered entities seeking assistance. Second, there is a lack of trained and certified language interpreters and translators who can meet the demand to assist limited English proficient persons in a timely, meaningful manner.

The legislature finds that it is necessary to establish a statewide language access bank to act as a centralized resource to:

(1) Compile and maintain a roster of available language interpreters and translators;

(2) Match and refer language interpreters and translators to the needs of state agencies and other covered entities seeking assistance;

(3) Provide and coordinate training programs to increase the availability of qualified language interpreters and translators; and

(4) Standardize the testing and certification of language interpreters and translators to ensure the quality and accuracy of their services.

After its initial establishment, a statewide language access bank could become self‑sustaining by collecting user fees, subscription and training fees, and support from the resources available to state agencies and other covered entities seeking language interpreter and translator assistance.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to establish a statewide access language bank.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $189,500 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the department of labor and industrial relations to establish a statewide language access bank to ensure meaningful access by limited English proficient persons to state-funded programs and activities.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of labor and industrial relations for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2446
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII