HI HB840

Recognizes American Sign Language (ASL) as a fully developed, autonomous, natural language with its own distinct grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and cultural heritage

Adds a new section to Chapter 1 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to codify ASL recognition into state law

Builds upon Act 152 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2016), which previously recognized ASL as a world language for public school language requirement purposes

Acknowledges that at least a dozen states have already enacted similar laws recognizing ASL as a discrete language distinct from signed English

Takes effect on July 1, 2065