STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3788

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2107

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2107, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATED TO DISASTER SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to ensure that limited English proficient populations are incorporated into disaster management planning.

Specifically, this measure appropriates moneys to establish limited English proficiency language access coordinator positions within the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of Community Services, Office of Language Access, Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency, Waipahu Safe Haven Center, Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Hawai`i Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, The Legal Clinic, Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, and seven individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and the Disability and Communication Access Board.

Your Committee finds that many individuals who are not proficient in the English language encounter barriers when attempting to obtain relief through state or county programs during the aftermath of disasters. Your Committee further finds that this measure will help to ensure that all individuals can access critical services following disasters, regardless of their level of English proficiency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2107, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair