2018-02-05 Letter to Kaniela Ing re HB 2438 Relating to Hawaiian Language Skills for Public Servants

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Harry Kim Manor • C.anxtfg of Pafintil Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director Mffire of the Alvin 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohok5lole Hwy, Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 5, 2018 Representative Kaniela Ing, Chair Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources & Hawaiian Affairs Hawai'i State Capitol, Room 312 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Ing and Committee Members: Re: HB 2438 Relating to Hawaiian Language Skills for Public Servants Hearing Date: 02/06/18 — 9:45 am; Conference Room 312 HB 2438 would (1) enshrine in law that "knowledge of and ability to communicate in the Hawaiian language"' is a "desirable but not mandatory qualification in the hiring of all public officers and employees,"' and (2) mandate that "all officers and employees whose primary duties involve public relations or the dissemination of information to the general public shall have basic skills and ability to communicate in the Hawaiian language„” I cannot support these two provisions. Hawaiian is an official language of this State, and the people of Hawai'i, especially the people of the First Nation of Hawaii, are justifiably proud that the native language has rebounded after nearly being lost, and is once again a vibrant and dynamic method of communication. Furthermore, I believe that people who have the authority to hire personnel for the State or counties would consider a knowledge of Hawaiian as a positive attribute in any applicant. However, employment decisions generally are made based on a multitude of factors, and it is not possible to put a comprehensive list of those factors into statute. Singling out the ability to communicate in Hawaiian would raise that single skill to a level superior to all others, and I don't think that is warranted. As position descriptions are drafted during the hiring process, I am sure that Hawaiian communication skills can be listed among the qualifications when the hiring authority deems it appropriate for a particular position. As for mandating basic proficiency in Hawaiian for all public relations staff, it seems clear that such a mandate would eliminate many individuals who are providing, or in the future could provide, great service to the public in spite of their lack of skill in Hawaiian. It is not in the public interest to lose these dedicated people who are contributing, or may want to contribute in the future, to our community through public service. Respectfully submitted, rry Kim Mayor, County of Hawai'i 1 Ci uuauty of Hawn' i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.