Court Interpreters

Court Interpreters Wanted 

The Hawaii State Judiciary seeks individuals who speak English and another language to interpret in the State courts. Interested individuals can apply for the Judiciary’s Court Interpreter Certification Program if:

• At least 18 years of age
• Authorized to work in the United States; and
• Speak English and another language(s)

Court Interpreter Basic Orientation Workshops

Individuals who are interested in becoming a court interpreter must attend a two-day Basic Orientation Workshop (BOW). Offered only once a year, the BOWs provide information about court procedure and legal terminology, the interpreter’s role and skills, and how to become a freelance interpreter in the Hawai‘i State Courts making $35/hour. The Certification Program Flyer provides more information about the Workshops.

Language Interpreters in the Courts

Language interpreters play an essential role in the administration of justice. The Hawai’i state courts use interpreters when a party or witness in a court case has limited-English proficiency or is unable to hear, understand, speak or use English sufficiently to effectively participate in court proceedings. Interpreters help such persons have equal access to justice and help court proceedings function efficiently and effectively.

The Court Interpreter Certification Program

The Hawai’i State Judiciary’s Court Interpreter Certification Program is designed to promote and ensure equal access for limited-English proficient parties and witnesses by providing the most qualified interpreters available. The program also aims to expand and improve the Judiciary’s pool of qualified interpreters by establishing a minimum standard for court interpreter certification and coordinating the screening, training, and testing necessary to assist interpreters in meeting and surpassing this standard.

The Certification Program Flyer provides more information about how to become an interpreter in the Hawai’i State Courts. Please share the flyer with anyone fluent in English and another language who has an interest and aptitude for interpreting.

The first step to becoming a court interpreter is to complete the Court Interpreter Certification Program Application Form. 

Office on Equality and Access to the Courts

The Judiciary’s Office on Equality and Access to the Courts is responsible for developing, implementing and administering statewide programs and policies relating to access to the courts for linguistic minorities. The office recruits, registers, educates, and tests interpreters.

Contact Us

For more information regarding language interpreting in the courts, contact:

Office on Equality and Access to the Courts
Hawai’i State Judiciary
426 Queen Street, B17
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 539-4860
E-mail: OEAC@courts.hawaii.gov