Court Interpreters Needed to Ensure Access to Justice

For current information about the Basic Orientation Workshop click here.

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For January 2009

The Judiciary through its Office on Equality and Access to the Courts (OEAC) is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2009 orientation and testing cycle of the Hawai`i State Judiciary Court Interpreter Certification Program (Certification Program). The Certification Program is designed to promote and ensure equal access to Hawaii's state courts for individuals who are limited English proficient, deaf, or hard-of-hearing by providing the best qualified interpreters available.

Persons who can interpret in Chuukese, Marshallese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, Tongan and Samoan are especially needed. Certified sign language interpreters are also encouraged to apply.

Application forms may be obtained from the Office on Equality and Access to the Courts at 539-4860 or by emailing oeac@courts.state.hi.us.

Court interpreters work on a freelance basis as independent contractors in criminal or certain civil cases when parties or witnesses are unable to hear, understand, speak or use English sufficiently. Depending on their performance on written and oral exams, court interpreters are paid between $25 to $55 per hour with a two-hour minimum.

The requirements for certification include full completion and acceptance of the certification program application form; successful completion of a two-day orientation workshop; achieving a passing score on a written English proficiency and court interpreter ethics exam; clearing a criminal background check; and achieving a passing score on an oral certification exam in a non-English language.

For 2009, the two-day court interpreter certification orientation workshops are scheduled for:

O`ahu: 2/28-3/1, 3/7-3/8
Maui: 2/25-26
Kaua`i: 2/19-20
Hilo: 3/16-3/17

 

Contact: Mark Santoki, 539-4909