Relating To The Judiciary's olelo Hawaii Initiatives.
Through the appropriation of $300,000 for the fiscal year 2022-2023, the bill provides for a dedicated program coordinator and funds aimed at various implementation projects, including translation services, website upgrades, and educational materials. This financial investment will support initiatives that align with past task force recommendations, aimed at enriching public interaction with the judiciary in both official languages. The bill positions the judiciary as a leading model in the use of Ōlelo Hawaii within government operations.
Senate Bill 2734 aims to bolster the Judiciary's Ōlelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language) initiatives through funding and resources. The bill acknowledges that both English and Ōlelo Hawaii are official languages of the State of Hawaii, as confirmed by the state constitution. It stipulates that promoting and preserving native Hawaiian culture, history, and language is a vital state responsibility. The bill seeks to implement practical measures to enhance access to judicial resources and services in the Hawaiian language, noting previous efforts by the judiciary to explore translation and interpreter services for the public.
While the bill intends to further integrate the Hawaiian language in judicial proceedings and resources, it does not supplant existing judiciary funding and practices. The potential contention around this bill might stem from differing views on resource allocation within the judiciary and the effectiveness of implementing these language initiatives without additional strain on current budgets. Critics may argue about the sufficiency of the proposed funding or the priority of such an initiative compared to other judicial needs.