SB3238

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3238
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to Language Access.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that language access is essential to ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, legal services, emergency services, agricultural programs, and government programs for Hawaii's diverse communities. Hawaii's multilingual population requires a trained and culturally competent workforce of translators and interpreters.

The legislature commends the department of education for recognizing high school graduates with the seal of biliteracy. These students, who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one additional language, represent a valuable pipeline for meeting the State's language access workforce needs.

The legislature also finds that providing a structured pathway, including training and paid internship opportunities, will help develop qualified bilingual workers who strengthen workforce development, expand language access services, and create meaningful career opportunities for the State's residents.

The legislature declares that establishing a biliteracy program within the university of Hawaii is a matter of statewide concern.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a program that enables eligible high school graduates who have earned the seal of biliteracy and community members with demonstrated biliteracy competency to be recognized as qualified translators and interpreters.

SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV, subpart M, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§304A- Language access education and workforce development program; established. (a) There is established within the university of Hawaii the language access education and workforce development program.

(b) The language access education and workforce development program shall be administered by the university of Hawaii SEED office in collaboration with academic departments on all campuses, the department of education, department of labor and industrial relations, and other relevant public and private entities.

(c) The language access education and workforce development program shall provide a curriculum for training eligible participants to be recognized as qualified translators and interpreters. The curriculum shall include:

(1) Training in translation and interpretation, including ethics, standards, and best practices;

(2) Specialized instruction and opportunities for interpretation in public service settings, including settings related to education, healthcare, social services, legal services, agriculture, and government services; and

(3) A certificate of completion of program requirements for qualified translation and interpretation proficiency;

provided that participants shall complete educational requirements, including internship opportunities through the hele imua program of the department of labor and industrial relations.

(d) Priority for admission to the language access education and workforce development program shall be given to applicants who have earned the seal of biliteracy issued by the department of education. All other applicants shall demonstrate as requirements of admission proficiency in English and at least one additional language, as determined by program standards or by obtaining the Global Seal of Biliteracy credential."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act, including the establishment of three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) positions.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

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