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REPORT OF THE POLICY <br /> COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, <br /> SAFETY,AND WELL-BEING <br /> DATE: July 9, 2024 Re: Comm.No. 916/Res.No. 547-24 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 11:00 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being,to which was referred Resolution <br /> No. 547-24,reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 547-24,transmitted by the Parks and Recreation Director Maurice C. Messina via <br /> Communication No. 916, dated June 3, 2024, approves the County of Hawai`i Department of <br /> Parks and Recreation 2024 Title VI Plan pursuant to the Federal Transit Administration Title VI <br /> Circular 4702.1B Requirements and Guidelines. <br /> The adoption of this plan fulfills federal requirements to ensure that the department provides <br /> public transit service in conformance with Title VI legislation, which prohibits discrimination <br /> based on race, color, or national origin. <br /> Director Messina explained that this updated plan covers the program they provide for elderly <br /> transportation services. Some of the vans are purchased using federal funds and that requires an <br /> up-to-date Title VI plan regarding discrimination and that their department will not discriminate <br /> against anyone. <br /> Committee Member Cindy Evans said that she noticed that the plan states that complaints must be <br /> in writing and inquired if they get complaints. Director Messina said that yes, as with any <br /> organization servicing such a large number(between 13,000 to 15,000 people participate in their <br /> programs) of individuals there are complaints and they do their best to address them, even if they <br /> do not want to put their name to it. <br /> Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked about the process to change or discontinue a route and how <br /> the decisions are made and how the public is informed. Director Messina said that usually the <br /> individuals who use the services or their caregiver or family member is who needs to be informed <br /> and that they always provide plenty of notice directly. But if it's a last-minute change due to <br /> someone being out sick,they will make a phone call to inform them. <br /> Director Messina highlighted that addressing issues that they hear about as soon as they hear about <br /> them is the goal and that they have a good elderly activities division. <br /> PCHSW Report No. 13 <br />