HI HB2489

Appropriates $140,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish a bachelor's degree program in American Sign Language interpretation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa

Requires development of a multi-year plan to add a master's degree program in ASL interpretation

Addresses Hawaii's shortage of qualified ASL interpreters, noting Hawaii is one of only eight states without an ASL interpreter training program

Responds to recommendations from the 2024 Disability and Communication Access Board report on interpreter shortages in Hawaii

Effective date set as July 1, 3000 (placeholder date indicating further legislative action needed)