STAND. COM. REP. NO. 846

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 834

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 834, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to recognize American Sign Language as a fully developed, autonomous, natural language with its own grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and cultural heritage.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i Civil Rights Commission, Disability and Communication Access Board, Special Education Advisory Council, Aloha State Association of the Deaf, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and eight individuals.

Your Committee finds that American Sign Language is not merely translated English; rather, American Sign language is a distinct language with its own culture and identity. Your Committee further finds that over forty states have recognized American Sign Language to varying degrees, from a foreign language for school credits to the official language of that state's Deaf community. This measure advances the recognition of American Sign Language in the State by recognizing it as a fully developed, autonomous, natural language.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 834, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair