S.B. 2687 Summary

• Appropriates funds to the University of Hawai'i to translate the Hawai'i State Constitution into the Hawaiian language, fulfilling constitutional mandates to promote Hawaiian culture and language.

• Adds a new provision to Chapter 601, Hawaii Revised Statutes, requiring courts to provide Hawaiian language interpreter services upon request by any party to a proceeding, to the extent reasonably possible.

• Appropriates funds to the Judiciary for fiscal year 2018-2019 to establish one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position dedicated to providing Hawaiian language interpreter services in court proceedings.

• Exempts the new judicial interpreter position from the requirements of Chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes (civil service laws).

• Effective date: July 1, 2018.