Urging The Prompt Implementation Of The Hawaii Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Act On Or Before December 31, 2024.
The resolution highlights a significant delay in the issuance of accessibility standards, which should have been published over eighteen months post-enactment. As a result, the implementation of Act 172 remains incomplete, hindering the state's ability to provide equal access to goods, services, and employment opportunities for all residents, especially those with disabilities. The resolution calls for the Chief Information Officer to expedite this process by December 31, 2024, to fulfill the act's objectives.
Senate Resolution 5 (SR5) urges the prompt implementation of the Hawaii Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Act, originally enacted under Act 172, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022. This resolution emphasizes the need for timely execution of standards that would make electronic information technology accessible to persons with disabilities, as mandated by the law. The act aims to ensure that all technology developed or purchased by state entities meets certain accessibility criteria, aligning with federal standards from the United States Access Board and the World Wide Web Consortium.
During discussions around SR5, legislative members expressed urgency regarding the compliance with accessibility standards. Many states have already adopted similar requirements, and model standards are available for adaptation to Hawaii's needs. The resolution calls for a report by the Chief Information Officer to be submitted before the 2025 legislative session, reviewing the status of implementation and recommending any future legislation necessary to enhance the state’s technological accessibility. This report is seen as critical for ensuring that Hawaii moves forward in aligning its practices with federal requirements.