Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR186

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
3/29/23  
Refer
3/29/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  
Engrossed
4/5/23  

Caption

Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Establish An American Sign Language Interpreter Workforce Working Group To Promote Increasing The Number Of American Sign Language Interpreters In The State.

Impact

The resolution aims to address the challenges related to the recruitment of qualified ASL interpreters, which has become increasingly difficult despite the growing demand for their services. By forming a dedicated workforce working group, the resolution seeks to develop a robust ASL interpreter workforce that can meet the needs of the community. The working group will not only promote the increase of ASL interpreters but also recommend necessary training and incentives to encourage more individuals to enter the profession.

Summary

HCR186 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature requesting the Disability and Communication Access Board to establish a working group focused on increasing the number of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in the state. The resolution highlights the growing need for ASL interpretation services due to an increase in requests made to interpreter referral agencies, emphasizing the crucial role interpreters play in facilitating communication between deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and hearing individuals across various sectors, including education and emergency services.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HCR186 is positive. Supporters recognize the importance of ASL interpreters in promoting accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with hearing disabilities. The establishment of a working group is viewed as a proactive step towards improving communication access statewide, resulting in enhanced services for those who rely on ASL interpretation. Stakeholders, including advocacy groups, are likely to appreciate the focus on workforce development in the ASL interpreting field.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for the initiative, potential points of contention may arise around the allocation of resources and funding necessary to implement the recommendations proposed by the working group. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed measures to increase the number of ASL interpreters will need to be monitored closely to ensure that they adequately address the underlying issues of accessibility and recruitment in the field.

Companion Bills

HI HR191

Same As Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Establish An American Sign Language Interpreter Workforce Working Group To Promote Increasing The Number Of American Sign Language Interpreters In The State.

Previously Filed As

HI SB3290

Relating To American Sign Language.

HI SB610

Relating To American Sign Language.

HI HCR71

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.

HI HR56

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.

HI SCR49

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.

HI SR37

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Stakeholder Working Group To Make Recommendations To Enhance Meaningful Access To Health Care In The State Through The Provision Of Language Assistance Services.

HI HCR146

Requesting The Establishment Of A Working Group To Discuss Agriculture-related Issues.

HI HB219

Relating To Court Interpreters.

HI HCR147

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Establish A Sustainable Food Systems Working Group.

HI SB2181

Relating To Court Interpreters.

Similar Bills

HI SB3290

Relating To American Sign Language.

HI HR191

Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Establish An American Sign Language Interpreter Workforce Working Group To Promote Increasing The Number Of American Sign Language Interpreters In The State.

HI SR26

Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Convene An American Sign Language Interpreter Workforce Working Group For The Purpose Of Promoting The Increase Of American Sign Language Interpreters In The State.

HI SCR32

Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Convene An American Sign Language Interpreter Workforce Working Group For The Purpose Of Promoting The Increase Of American Sign Language Interpreters In The State.

CA AB1169

Health care facilities: interpreters.

CA AB3066

Mobilehome Residency Law Protection Act.

CA AB3080

Court interpreters.

CA AB2975

Department of Parks and Recreation: community access agreements: interpretive services and visitor services.