The application to get a stamp of authentication for state documents to be used internationally is now available in 12 languages, including ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
Around 9,000 apostille and certification applications are processed annually by the lieutenant governor's office.
Apostilles authenticate the seals and signatures of officials on documents like birth certificates and marriage licenses so they can be recognized in foreign countries.
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke led the translated application project and announced the change Thursday.
“Hawaiʻi is one of the most linguistically diverse states in the country, and government services must reflect that,” Luke said in a news release.
“Expanding access to the apostille application in 12 languages ensures that more residents, regardless of the language they speak, can navigate this process with clarity and confidence.”
About one in four Hawaiʻi residents speaks a language other than English at home, and some community members have limited English proficiency.
The translated application is now available in Simplified Chinese, Chuukese, Ilocano, Japanese, Korean, Marshallese, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese and Visayan.
Apostille applications are accepted online and in person at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol.
