Bill > SB3239

This bill appropriates funds for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to improve access to bilingual resources and services for residents who have difficulty speaking or understanding English, a group referred to as having limited English proficiency. The bill highlights that a significant portion of Hawaii's population is foreign-born and speaks languages other than English at home, and that many of these individuals face barriers to accessing essential services and participating in the community. It specifically notes that HI-EMA needs more bilingual staff and resources to effectively communicate with these residents, especially during emergencies, and to comply with federal and state laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Presidential Executive Order 13166, which mandate language access to ensure equal opportunity and access to services regardless of national origin. The bill aims to increase HI-EMA's capacity to serve immigrants and other residents with limited English proficiency by providing these crucial bilingual resources and services, with the funding designated for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3239&year=2026