Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR191

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
3/29/23  
Refer
3/29/23  
Report Pass
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 proposed working group would not only focus on increasing the number of qualified ASL interpreters but also recommend training and incentives to attract more individuals to this profession. By doing so, the resolution intends to enhance accessibility to ASL interpretation services throughout the state, particularly during emergencies and daily activities. The group is expected to consist of representatives from various community and educational sectors, promoting a comprehensive approach to workforce development for ASL interpreters in Hawaii.

Summary

House Resolution 191 proposes the establishment of an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Workforce Working Group in Hawaii, aimed at addressing the growing need for qualified ASL interpreters in the state. The resolution highlights the distinct nature of ASL and its cultural significance, emphasizing the essential role that ASL interpreters play in facilitating communication among deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and hearing individuals across various settings. With an increasing demand for these services, as indicated by a rise in requests to interpreter referral agencies, the need to bolster the ASL interpreter workforce is clear.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR191 is largely positive, with supporters recognizing the necessity of expanding the ASL interpreter workforce to meet the needs of the community. There is a consensus that increasing the number of qualified interpreters will ultimately improve communication access for individuals who rely on these services. However, as the resolution is in its early stages, discussions around its implementation, potential challenges, and required resources may elicit varied opinions as stakeholders engage in the legislative process.

Contention

Notably, while the resolution seeks to enhance the ASL interpretation services, it may also spark discussions about the broader implications for funding, resource allocation, and the training methodologies used. Ensuring a sustainable pipeline of qualified ASL interpreters may require careful planning and commitment from both state agencies and educational institutions. Moreover, stakeholders may debate the adequacy of proposed incentives and training programs to effectively address the workforce shortage in this critical area.

Companion Bills

HI HCR186

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 HB219

Relating To Court Interpreters.

HI SB2181

Relating To Court Interpreters.

HI SCR4

Requesting The Hawaii State Public Library System To Establish A Hawaii Deaf Culture Digital Library For The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Community.

HI SB768

Relating To Language Access.

Similar Bills

HI SB3290

Relating To American Sign Language.

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.

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 HCR186

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.

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.