summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Appropriates moneys to establish a bachelor's degree program in American Sign Language interpretation at the University of Hawaii Manoa campus with a multi-year plan to include a master's degree program for interpreter training. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
AI Summary
This bill aims to address a shortage of qualified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in Hawaii by appropriating $140,000 for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish a bachelor's degree program in ASL interpretation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, with a future plan to develop a master's degree program for interpreter training, and to provide the necessary personnel and administrative resources to launch and sustain these programs, with the act taking effect on July 1, 3000.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Education
Sponsors (12)
Terez Amato (D)*,
Andrew Garrett (D)*,
Daisy Hartsfield (D)*,
Daniel Holt (D)*,
Susan Keohokapu-Lee Loy (D)*,
Darius Kila (D)*,
Tyson Miyake (D)*,
Dee Morikawa (D)*,
Ikaika Olds (D)*,
Amy Perruso (D)*,
Jenna Takenouchi (D)*,
Shirley Ann Templo (D)*,
Last Action
Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lee, M., Poepoe excused (3). (on 02/17/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2489&year=2026 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2489_HD1_.HTM |
| Committee Report HB2489_HD1_HSCR301-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/CommReports/HB2489_HD1_HSCR301-26_.pdf |
| HB2489_TESTIMONY_HED_02-06-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB2489_TESTIMONY_HED_02-06-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2489_.HTM |
Loading...