HI HR191

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 incentive strategies 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's 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.

Requires interim report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session and final report no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session, with the working group dissolved by June 30, 2026.

Department of Health shall provide administrative assistance to the working group.