HI SR26

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

Working group is requested to recommend training programs and incentive measures to recruit and develop more ASL interpreters in the state.

Working group membership includes representatives from the Disability and Communication Access Board (chairperson), Department of Education, Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Deaf and Blind Task Force, University of Hawaii ASL professor, state legislators, current ASL interpreters, and additional invited members.

Working group must submit an interim report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session and a final report no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session, with administrative assistance from the Department of Health.

Working group is requested to be dissolved on June 30, 2026.