Urging The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Include In All Live And Recorded Emergency Alert System Video Broadcasts, An On-screen Interpreter Disseminating The Emergency Information In American Sign Language At All Times, Including During Graphic Presentations.
The resolution represents a significant step towards enhancing the inclusivity of emergency communication in Hawaii. By mandating the provision of American Sign Language interpreters in EAS broadcasts, HCR187 seeks to eliminate the disparities experienced by deaf and hard of hearing individuals when accessing life-saving information. This change is expected to improve public safety and ensure that all Hawaii residents receive critical updates during emergencies, thereby fostering a more comprehensive approach to public alerts.
HCR187, introduced in the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii in 2023, urges the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to incorporate on-screen American Sign Language interpretation into all live and recorded broadcasts of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This initiative aims to ensure that emergency information is accessible to all residents, particularly those who are deaf or hard of hearing, during critical times such as natural disasters, including volcanic eruptions and severe weather events. Notably, the resolution recognizes past shortcomings in EAS broadcasts, where essential emergency details were not adequately communicated to individuals needing such interpretation.
While the bill promotes accessibility during emergencies, there may be practical challenges in its implementation, such as the need for trained interpreters being consistently made available for every broadcast. Concerns about the financial and logistical implications of training interpreters and adapting broadcasting protocols may arise. Moreover, there is potential for debate regarding the prioritization of this resolution compared to other pressing emergency management issues faced by HI-EMA, especially during events that demand immediate attention and resources.