HI HR34

Urges ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force in 2008.

Notes that at least one in ten people globally is disabled, with 12.8 percent of the U.S. adult population (ages 21-64) and 10.7 percent of Hawaii's population reporting disabilities.

Convention shifts perspective on disability from viewing persons with disabilities as charity cases to recognizing them as rights-bearing individuals capable of making informed decisions about their lives.

Highlights that the Convention had 82 signatories on its opening day—the highest number in UN history—and that the U.S. President has signed and submitted it to the Senate for ratification.

Directs transmission of certified copies to Hawaii's Congressional delegation, Governor, Director of Health, and Director of Human Services.