Relating To Court Interpreters.
If enacted, HB 219 would amend the judiciary's rules regarding interpreter compensation. The proposed adjustments include raising hourly rates for interpreters based on established tiers to more accurately represent the current economic conditions. Additionally, the bill would revise the mileage reimbursement rate to align with IRS standards and provide commuter compensation for interpreters traveling long distances for assignments. These changes are expected to enhance the financial viability of this critical service, ensuring that interpreters can continue to serve non-English speaking defendants effectively.
House Bill 219 seeks to address the compensation of court interpreters in Hawaii, recognizing their essential role in the justice system, especially given the state's significant population of non-English speakers. The bill emphasizes the need for fair compensation, which has remained largely unchanged since 2007, despite Hawaii's rising cost of living. It aims to increase the hourly fees for court interpreters across various tiers, reflecting the increasing expenses these professionals face, such as transportation costs to remote courthouses.
Discussion around HB 219 may highlight concerns regarding its funding. Although the bill introduces a significant increase in interpreter fees and reimbursements, it also includes an appropriation from the state's general revenues for the fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to cover the costs associated with these changes. Questions may arise about the sustainability of funding such increases and whether it could affect other areas of public expenditure. Stakeholders may debate the balance between improving the compensation for interpreters and the overall impact on the judiciary's budget.