Report Title:

Holidays; Language Access Month

 

Description:

Designates an unspecified month as Language Access Month to promote awareness of language access for government services and to emphasize the importance of and the need for language access in Hawaii.  (HB813 HD1)

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

813

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

RELATING TO LANGUAGE ACCESS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii is a melting pot of diverse nationalities and cultures.  Diversity defines Hawaii's residents and makes this State a unique place to live.

     The legislature also finds that according to the 2000 United States Census, over twelve per cent of the State's residents speak English "less than very well."  These residents face daily challenges, whether it is struggling to consult with a school counselor about their child's performance at school, or seeking to understand a notice regarding public housing benefits.

     The legislature further finds that as only one of four states to enact a statewide law on language access, Hawaii is on the leading edge of breaking down language barriers to enable its diverse population, particularly persons who are limited in their English language proficiency, to gain equal access to much-needed government services at no extra charge.  Whether the State provides access to its services and programs through an interpreter or translates key documents needed to access its services, residents with limited English proficiency benefit by being able to fully participate in the community as self-sufficient and productive members of the community.  Ongoing education and efforts are needed to ensure that language access becomes the "norm" in the provision of government services.

     The purpose of this Act is to designate an unspecified month as "Language Access Month" to promote awareness of language access for government services and emphasize the importance of and need for language access in Hawaii's diverse society.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§8-    Language access month.  The month of          shall be known and designated as "language access month" to promote awareness of language access for government services and emphasize the importance of and need for language access in Hawaii's diverse society.  This month is not and shall not be construed as a state holiday."

SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2112.