S.R. No. 21 - Summary

• Legislative Reference Bureau requested to conduct a study on barriers to securing American Sign Language (ASL) community interpreting hours in Hawaii law, rules, regulations, or policies.

• Study to include a survey of current ASL interpreters working in Hawaii, with assistance from the Disability and Communication Access Board and Hawaii Interpreting Services, LLC.

• Study to provide recommendations for statutory and administrative changes to increase ASL interpreter availability, including potential modifications to the Disability and Communication Access Board, Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 11 Chapter 218, HQAS test, Kapiolani Community College Interpreter Education and Training Program, and the Vocational Rehabilitation interpreter referral contract.

• Legislative Reference Bureau to consult with relevant state agencies, community colleges, interpreter organizations, and user groups when formulating recommendations.

• Findings and recommendations due to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2011 Regular Session convening.