Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR105

Introduced

3/10/23

Refer

3/15/23

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Tobacco Quitline To Make Permanently Visible On Each Page Of Its Website Information Pertaining To The Availability Of Translation Services Upon Request.

Impact

The resolution highlights existing gaps in the Quitline’s accessibility, noting that the current website only offers information in English and Spanish. By making translation service information more accessible in multiple languages, including Ilocano, Tagalog, Japanese, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Ōlelo Hawaii, the bill aims to improve engagement with non-English speaking communities. This measure is expected to enhance utilization of cessation resources among Hawaiian immigrants and other residents who require multilingual support to effectively quit smoking.

Summary

Senate Resolution 105 requests the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline to prominently display information about the availability of translation services on their website across all pages. This recommendation is based on the recognition of the effectiveness of tobacco cessation efforts on public health, particularly for populations in Hawaii where a significant number of residents may not speak English proficiently. Research indicates that long-term cessation from tobacco usage correlates with greater health outcomes and reduces health disparities among different ethnic groups in Hawaii, particularly for Native Hawaiians who show higher smoking rates.

Contention

The proposal does not appear to have considerable points of contention in the initial discussions, as it primarily focuses on accessibility and public health improvements. However, there may be discussions around resource allocation and the practical implementation of these translation services. Some stakeholders might express concerns regarding the cost and administrative burden of updating the website and ensuring continuous maintenance of accessible language options, which could affect the feasibility of this resolution's long-term success.

Latest SR105 Activity

Companion Bills

HI HR156

Same As Requesting The Hawaii Tobacco Quitline To Make Permanently Visible On Each Page Of Its Website Information Pertaining To The Availability Of Interpretation Services Upon Request.

HI SCR206

Same As Requesting The Hawaii Tobacco Quitline To Make Permanently Visible On Each Page Of Its Website Information Pertaining To The Availability Of Translation Services Upon Request.

Previously Filed As

HI SR56

Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.

HI SR184

Requesting The Department Of Education To Require That Each Student Complete Two Years Of Hawaiian Language Instruction As A Graduation Requirement.

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 SCR68

HI SCR208

Requesting The Department Of Education To Require That Each Student Complete Two Years Of Hawaiian Language Instruction As A Graduation Requirement.

HI SCR49

HI HCR71

HI HCR66

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Report On Strategies For Native Hawaiian Rural Resiliency.

HI HR56

HI HCR32

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.