COM 0092.042 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 of 3 The County has ordered a new listening device and the current one is "temporary." Listening devices won't help in any even[ if people don't use their microphones. The Chair should make an effort to direct people [o use their microphones and should develop some sort of hand signal to be used to allow members of the public to signal when there is a problem with the sound. Although I have a hearing disability I have been told it is common for the general public to miss dialogue that is not properly amplified. The Chair must get involved and be proactive in meeting standards set by the ADA and the Sunshine Law. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA") protects my rights to reasonable accommodation. The County Clerk and the County Council have specific responsibilities under Title II, including: * to operate each program, service, or activity so that, when viewed in its entirety, it is readily accessible [o and usable by individuals with disabilities, 28 C.F.R. § 35.150, by delivery of services, programs, or activities in alternate ways. * to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with others, including furnishing auxiliary aids and services when necessary, 28 C.F.R. § 35.160. The Sunshine Law protects my right to participate and follow along and observe government. Specifically: §92-1 Declaration of policy and intent. In a democracy, the people are vested with the ultimate decision-making power. Governmental agencies exist to aid the people in the formation and conduct of public policy. Opening up the governmental processes to public scrutiny and participation is [he only viable and reasonable method of protecting [he public's interest. Therefore, the legislature declares that it is the policy of this State that the formation and conduct of public policy -the discussions, deliberations, decisions, and action of governmental agencies -shall be conducted as openly as possible. To implement [his policy the legislature declares that: (1) I[ is [he intent of this part to protect the people's right to know; (2) The provisions requiring open meetings shall be liberally constmed; and (3) The provisions providing for exceptions to the open meeting requirements shall be strictly construed against closed meetings [L 1975, c 166, pt of § I]. I sincerely hope that we can work out our current difficulties. Sincerely, Claudia Rohr 934-8040 -----Original Message From: Claudia Rohr To: CKIRIU@co.hawaii.hi.us ; gsafarik@co.hawaii.hi.us Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 12:56 PM Subject: transcripts for Bills 355 and 356 c/oChair Gary Safarik Hawaii County Council 4/8/05