HI HB2107

Appropriates $200,000 in general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for disaster services related to limited English proficient populations.

Establishes one full-time equivalent limited English proficiency language access coordinator position (exempt from chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes) with $100,000 in funding.

Allocates $100,000 for programming support for limited English proficiency community projects, including public service announcements, translation services, and other program initiatives.

Addresses gaps in disaster response identified during the August 8, 2023 Maui wildfires, when language interpreters were not present at shelters and no remote interpretation services were provided.

Takes effect on July 1, 2024.