HI HCR186

Requests the Disability and Communication Access Board to establish an American Sign Language Interpreter Workforce Working Group to increase the number of ASL interpreters in Hawaii.

Working group shall recommend training programs and incentives to recruit and develop ASL interpreters in the state.

Working group membership includes representatives from the Disability and Communication Access Board (chair), Department of Education, Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Health Office of Language Access, Deaf and Blind Task Force, University of Hawaii ASL professor, a state senator, a state representative, an active ASL interpreter, and additional members invited by the chairperson.

Working group must submit an interim report by twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session and a final report by twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session, with recommendations and proposed legislation.

Working group shall be dissolved on June 30, 2026, with the Department of Health providing administrative assistance.