Language Access Day 2024
HAPA Proudly Supports Language Access: A Look Back at the Language Access Lobby Day 2024
On February 1, 2024, the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights (HCIR), Aloha Care, Roots Reborn, the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, The Legal Clinic, NAFCON, and other organizations, advocates, and community members convened at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol in support of language access. The Language Access Lobby Day aimed to foster relationships with legislators, educate them on the importance of language access, and demonstrate support for Hawaiʻi communities during times of crisis. Attendees also learned about the innovative language access initiatives underway at Waipahu High School.
The Language Access Lobby Day highlighted the need for comprehensive language access, particularly during disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Attendees urged legislators to prioritize this issue and ensure that all members of the community have access to essential documents, critical information, and important benefits.
Recent events, including the 2020 outbreak of COVID-19 and the Maui Fires on August 8, 2023, underscored the importance of language access. During these crises, the Hawaiian Kingdom and its people required urgent resources and assistance. HAPA and its partners rose to the challenge and provided much-needed support. The presence of advocates at the Language Access Lobby Day was crucial in showcasing the community's backing for this issue.
Images Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights (HCIR), Hawaiʻi Workers Center, and community members.
About the Author
Nanea Lo, HAPA’s Administrative and Programs Coordinator
Nanea Lo is from Papakōlea, Oʻahu. She is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian). Lo's educational expertise is in community planning and urban planning infrastructures. She is also a podcast host for Native Stories.
Lo is a public servant and serves as the Kona representative for the Oʻahu Island Burial Council, a commissioner on the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission, sits on the board of the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, newly elected member of the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi Executive Committee, and serves on the grant making committee for Hawaiʻi People’s Fund.
Through civic engagement, podcast hosting, and community organizing, Lo advocates for Hawaiian sovereignty, Aloha 'Āina, and feminism on the national and international scale. She has been a part of innovative local and international education and advocacy programs such as Planned Parenthood “National” Storyteller for the Pacific Northwest and Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi-Asia Pacific Leadership Program, Native American Political Leadership Program, Kuleana Academy, Young Pacific Leaders, and Peace Scholars. She believes that relationships are the fabric of life and that Aloha ʻĀina is forever.
