About Us
Hawaii Interpreting Services (HIS) links clients to top-notch sign language interpreters and real-time captioning services, ensuring effective communication for Deaf, hard of hearing, and Deaf-Blind individuals across Hawaii. Established in 2007, HIS is dedicated to delivering dependable and user-friendly services.
HIS is committed to providing exceptional customer service by meticulously screening each subcontractor for certification from national and state agencies, educational background, TB test clearance, and HIPAA compliance. Clients of HIS benefit from tailored interpreting and captioning services that meet their specific requirements.
History
Hawai’i Interpreting Services is a female owned, minority small business, and was established in 2007 by Sabina Wilford and Judy Coryell, a founding member, who laid the groundwork for the services we provide today. Jenny Blake, a local Interpreter and CODA, was one of the first schedulers. We are forever grateful to Renee Baldonado, dedicated scheduler for 10 years.
Mission
Our mission is to improve communication access for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind community in Hawaii by offering top-notch interpreting and captioning services across all islands.
Our focus is client driven: committed to providing equitable communication for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Deaf-Blind so that they receive the equal access that they are entitled to. Our agency utilizes skills to give back to the community, rather than strictly a business model.
Having an acute awareness of how these groups have consistently been marginalized, in addition to our interpreting/captioning services, we have continued to donate to local, national Deaf organizations.
Our Team
Sabina Wilford
Owner & Director
Nationally certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), and is on the Hawai’i State Sign Language Interpreter Credential since 1991. Sabina has interpreted in a variety of settings, including: medical, mental health, religious, business, educational, and theater for Deaf and Deaf-Blind consumers. Since 2001, Sabina has coordinated interpreting/captioning services for private companies, universities, and state agencies.
Shaun Shimizu
Financial Officer / Scheduler
A local Deaf individual, has been our scheduler since October 2018. His excellent dedication to customer service, and hard work ethic, make him an indispensable part of the HIS team. Shaun’s first language is ASL, and he comes from a large Deaf family in Hawai’i. He has strong loyalties to the Deaf community.
Erin mcmanus
Quality Assurance / Admin Support
Erin McManus is a dedicated Deaf professional at Hawaii Interpreting Services. With a strong background in disability and access coordination at higher education, Erin is committed to streamlining the coordination and providing support for HIS, their contracted interpreters, captioners and their customers.
Erin holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Worcester State University. Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with her sons, her dogs, spending time outdoors and traveling.
Mee Young Cho
Scheduler / Recordkeeper
Mee Young Cho is a devoted scheduler at HIS committed to connecting clients with suitable interpreters, ensuring the highest quality of service. Fluent in Korean Sign Language and currently expanding her proficiency in American Sign Language, she is deeply involved in supporting local deaf communities.
Work with us?
Are you Interpreter, Deaf Interpreter, Tactile Interpreter or CART (Communication Access Real-time Translator) and interested in working with us?
