"Thank you for your testimony but are there the other deaf people? We want to hear from them, too." (1990)

Legislators were right. What is ADVOCATE? Advocate is someone like you: 

1) To support the plan and promote the interests of people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf blind and;  

2) To get a group of people involved in lobbying as representatives of the Deaf community.

To make your advocacy effective and efficiently: 

1)  Plan in the summer, fall and winter at your meetings to discuss and decide any legislative issues such as interpreter services, jobs, homeliness, or anything to enhance the betterment of community for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind.

3) Plan the informational meetings on the legislative process with the Public Access Room (PAR) and the tour at the State Capitol.

5)  IMPORTANT: Having the chance to meet the legislators of BOTH majority and minority parties face-to-face is the most effective way to get your message across. (NOTE: The majority party is the one that the Governor is elected and the minority party is not.)  

6)  Letters, phone calls and emails are also good way to contact your legislators of your district. Contact the PAR at (808) 587-0478 to find out who the legislators are in your Senate and House District #.

You already worked hard work by:

1) Having the Deaf Rally at the Department of Human Services building; 

2)  Marching to the State Capitol; 

3)  Meeting with the Governor and legislators;

4)  Testifying for your rights and most importantly; 

5)  Being on the TV news!

Lastly, as your advocate, it is my opportunity to applaud your hard work at the legislature. You are now the leaders, not the followers. You are the advocate. Your job is to make sure that the Comprehensive Services Center continues its operation with State funds.  

Remember, you are the winner, not the quitter.  Now it is the time to begin my new life to be with my grandchildren in Kentucky and Maryland.  

I'll definitely miss you but will always treasure my precious memories working with you all and will visit you someday soon.

If you ever want to chat or need more information, I can be reached by email, kuliangel569@gmail.com

The Hawaii Quality Assurance System (HQAS) was established in 2000 and offers sign language interpreters who do not hold national certification an opportunity to obtain credentials valid within and recognized by the State of Hawaii. 

Two or more candidates who live on the neighbor islands may take the HQAS or HQAS+H test on their respective island, pending available funding.   

Congratulations to the following interpreters who recently received their HQAS credentials.

Shayla Oliver-Tuma, Level III 

For more information, please contact Kristine Pagano, Communication Access Specialist, by phone at (808) 447-1397 or email, kristine.pagano@doh.hawaii.gov.

About the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB)

The mission of the DCAB is to advocate and promote the full integration, independence, equal access, and quality of life for persons with disabilities in society.