HI SB3239

Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for fiscal year 2026-2027 to expand bilingual resources and services for residents with limited English proficiency (specific dollar amount left blank in bill).

Approximately 25% of Hawaii's population speaks a language other than English at home, and over 10% have limited English proficiency, including speakers of Ilokano, Tagalog, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Samoan, Tongan, and Micronesian languages.

Hawaii's foreign-born population totals 260,000 people, representing 18% of the state's population, higher than the national average of 14%.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency currently has only one language coordinator and requires additional bilingual resources to communicate effectively during emergencies.

Effective date is July 1, 2026.