HI SCR96

Requests the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to convene a working group to improve immigrant access to government services and increase economic and civic contributions.

Working group membership includes the Governor, Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, Executive Director of the Office of Community Services, Executive Director of the Office of Language Access, and representatives from the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights and Inter-Agency Council for Immigrant Services.

Notes that 18 percent of Hawaii's population (256,000 persons) are immigrants or foreign-born residents, with top countries of origin being the Philippines (60 percent), Japan (8 percent), China (8 percent), Korea (7 percent), Micronesia (5 percent), and Vietnam (3 percent).

Identifies that immigrants represent 40 percent of agricultural workers, 33 percent of tourism and hospitality workers, and 23 percent of health care workers, collectively contributing more than $668 million in state and local taxes.

Requires the working group to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation no later than 20 days before the convening of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session.