Last updated: March 25, 2026
Civi.Me is committed to making civic information accessible to all Hawaii residents, regardless of the language they speak. This page explains how we provide multilingual access and your rights under Hawaii law.
How our translations work
Our translations are produced using AI-assisted translation and reviewed for accuracy. We prioritize clear, natural language over word-for-word translation. If you notice a translation error or something that doesn’t sound natural in your language, please let us know — community feedback helps us improve.
Languages we support
Our website is available in 16 languages — English plus the 15 languages identified by Hawaii’s Office of Language Access (OLA) as languages spoken by communities with limited English proficiency:
- English
- ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian)
- Tagalog
- 日本語 (Japanese)
- Ilokano
- 简体中文 (Chinese Simplified)
- 繁體中文 (Chinese Traditional)
- 한국어 (Korean)
- Español (Spanish)
- Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
- Gagana Sāmoa (Samoan)
- Lea Fakatonga (Tongan)
- Marshallese
- Chuukese
- ไทย (Thai)
- Cebuano
You can switch languages at any time using the language selector on every page. Your language preference is saved so you don’t have to choose again on your next visit.
What is translated
We translate the following into all 15 non-English languages:
- Website interface — navigation, buttons, labels, form fields, and system messages
- Civic guides — How to Testify, Letter Writing Kit, Your Right to Know, and other educational resources
- Council and topic descriptions — explanations of what each government body does and what policy topics cover
- Notification messages — email and text alerts about upcoming meetings
Meeting titles, agendas, and official documents are published by government agencies in English. We are working toward translating meeting summaries into all supported languages in a future update.
Your rights under Hawaii law
Hawaii has some of the strongest language access protections in the United States. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 321C, state and state-funded agencies are required to provide meaningful access to services for people with limited English proficiency (LEP).
This means that when you interact with Hawaii state or county government — including attending public meetings, requesting public records, or accessing government services — you have the right to request language assistance, including oral interpretation and written translation of vital documents.
The Office of Language Access
The Office of Language Access (OLA) is the state agency that ensures compliance with Hawaii’s language access law. OLA can help you if a government agency fails to provide language services.
- Website: health.hawaii.gov/ola
- Phone: (808) 586-8730
- Email: OLA@doh.hawaii.gov
- File a complaint: If a state or state-funded agency did not provide language services when you needed them, you can file a complaint with OLA
What government agencies must provide
- Oral interpretation at public meetings, hearings, and service counters when requested
- Written translation of vital documents (applications, notices, consent forms, complaint forms)
- Bilingual staff or qualified interpreters — not family members or children
- Notice of available language services, posted in the languages spoken in the community
You do not need to bring your own interpreter. The agency is responsible for providing language assistance at no cost to you.
About Civi.Me and language access
Civi.Me is not a government agency and is not subject to HRS Chapter 321C. We provide multilingual access voluntarily because we believe civic information should be accessible to everyone in Hawaii, regardless of language.
Our goal is to lower barriers to civic participation. If language is a barrier for you or someone you know, we want to hear about it. Contact us at email@access100.org.