HI SCR111

Requests the University of Hawaii College of Languages, Linguistics, and Literature to conduct a feasibility study for establishing a flagship East Asian Language Center at UH Manoa in cooperation with the East-West Center

Feasibility study must examine which Asian languages will be in highest demand over the next ten years, advantages and disadvantages of training in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, estimated costs and program size, collaboration opportunities with the Department of Education for K-12 curriculum, and a development timeline

University of Hawaii must submit findings to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2011 Regular Session convenes

Notes that UH Manoa currently has the largest East Asian languages department in the United States and offers extensive Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language instruction

Emphasizes the national shortage of professionals with critical language skills and potential benefits including study abroad programs, internships, scholarships, advanced placement courses, and bachelor's and master's degrees in Asian languages