HI SR74

Request Governor to convene a working group to develop recommendations for effective communications with limited English proficient persons and persons with disabilities before, during, and after emergencies and natural disasters.

Working group tasked with developing plans for accurate and timely translation services, assessing current communication access status, identifying communication needs and challenges across government entities, and identifying necessary technology resources and costs.

Working group membership comprises 22 members including representatives from state agencies (Attorney General, Health, Human Services, Labor, Emergency Management, Office of Language Access, Disability and Communication Access Board), county emergency management officials, and community representatives appointed by disability and immigrant advocacy organizations.

Working group required to identify and propose legislative solutions and submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than October 31, 2021.

Resolution notes that approximately 161,055 Hawaii residents (one in nine) are limited English proficient and 51,300 residents are hearing disabled, citing federal civil rights requirements under Title VI of Civil Rights Act and Americans with Disabilities Act.