State Signs Agreement to Improve Language Access

The agreement will help improve access to important information and social services to those in need, including immigrants and other individuals and families who speak little or no English.

"This new agreement with the federal government furthers the state's efforts to ensure that no Hawai`i residents are denied their right to critical services because they have difficulty speaking or reading English," Governor Lingle said. "Those who use state services are often the most vulnerable and require the most assistance. Language should not be a barrier to obtaining food, housing, job training, medical coverage or other necessities."

Under the voluntary agreement, DHS will conduct an annual assessment of frequently encountered languages and of the number of LEP individuals needing language assistance statewide. In addition, the department will develop a process for determining which documents require translation and then translate these materials as appropriate. DHS will also enhance staff training on policies and procedures for communicating with and serving LEP persons, and will share this progress with OCR.

In 2006, Governor Lingle signed Act 290, which requires the state and state-funded programs to develop plans for providing interpretation services and translated documents. The law also established the Office of Language Access within the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

As part of the Administration’s continuing efforts to increase public access to state information to all the people of Hawai`i, Governor Lingle’s State of the State Address this year was translated into six languages – Chinese, Japanese, Ilokano, Tagalog, Hawaiian and Korean.

In addition, the Administration has translated important information about VOG into Chinese, Japanese, Ilokano and Hawaiian, which can be found at www.hawaii.gov/gov/vog.  The state also works closely with foreign language radio stations KZOO and KNDI to coordinate translations of emergency and disaster preparedness information.

• Urging all citizens to support efforts to eliminate language barriers in the State of Hawai`i and to ensure equal access to government services for everyone, Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona have proclaimed September as Language Access Month. Read the proclamation.
• To learn more, visit the Office of Language Access website.