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Finance committee advances University of Hawaii language-access and interpreter-training measures
Summary
The House Finance Committee voted to move forward HB2005 (language access program) and HB2489 (interpreter education) after testimony underscored a shortage of ASL interpreters and the need for a local training pipeline to keep practitioners in Hawaii.
The House Committee on Finance voted Feb. 25 to advance two University of Hawaii bills aimed at expanding language access and interpreter training statewide.
HB2005, HD2 would establish a statewide language-access education and workforce development program at the University of Hawaii. The committee took the bill up early in the agenda to accommodate an ASL provider and recommended it pass unamended.
Supporters said the bill addresses a critical shortfall in qualified interpreters. Yasmin Cheney, Executive Director of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, said she stood on her written testimony in support…
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