HI HR96

Urges the State to address the lack of language support in services, programs, and activities for persons with limited English proficiency.

Directs the State to remove obstacles to hiring bilingual and multilingual workers, promote non-English language use and study, and expand workplace use of commonly spoken languages.

Calls for recognizing language skills as critical workforce assets and promoting workplace training and public campaigns to address bias and discrimination against non-English language use.

Commends the University of Hawaii's Language Road Map, Department of Education's English Language Learner programs, Office of Language Access, and other organizations promoting linguistic diversity.

Requires certified copies be sent to the Governor, county mayors, University of Hawaii President, Superintendent of Education, and heads of relevant state agencies and commissions.