Language Access
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Language Access Plan reinforces HART’s policy of providing meaningful access to its services, programs, and activities for individuals with LEP by providing competent and timely oral language services as well as written translations of vital documents based on the four factor analysis outlined below.
Federal Law
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Section 601 of the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) provides that, “no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
The national origin protected category under Title VI gives the statutory authority for nondiscrimination in the provision of services to individuals with LEP.
Executive Order 13166.
Presidential Executive Order (EO) 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency directs recipients of federal funds to, “examine the services it provides and develop and implement a system by which LEP persons can meaningfully access those services consistent with, and without unduly burdening, the fundamental mission of the [recipient].”
The United States Department of Justice Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons.
The role of the U.S. DOJ under EO 13166 includes providing LEP guidance to other federal agencies and to ensure consistency among agency specific guidance.
The United States Department of Transportation Policy Guidance Concerning Recipients’ Responsibilities to Limited English Proficient Persons.
Guidance from the U.S. DOT places high priority on providing LEP persons with meaningful access and advocates a flexible approach in ensuring such access in order to fit the varying needs of its recipients.