REP PSMTC 026 2016/10/19 (2014-2016)

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND MASS TRANSIT DATE: October 19, 2016 Re: Bill No. 240/Comm. No. 1047 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i TIME: 9:43 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Public Safety and Mass Transit, to which was referred Bill No. 240, reports as follows: Bill No. 240, transmitted by Council Member Daniel K. Paleka, Jr., via Comm. No. 1047, dated September 14, 2016, an ordinance amending Chapter 18, Article 4 of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), by adding a new division relating to the Hele-On Kako`o complementary paratransit service. Bill No. 240 establishes an eligibility determination process for paratransit services and the right of the County to suspend paratransit services for eligible riders if the County finds cause to do so, and further establishes a process to appeal denial or suspension of service to the Transportation Commission. Your Committee first heard this matter on September 21, 2016, in the Kona Council Chamber. At that time, there were no testifiers present for this matter. After the close of public testimony, Deputy County Clerk Jon Henricks read Comm. No. 1047 into the record, preceding a motion made by Ms. Eoff, seconded by Mr. Kanuha to recommend passage of Bill 240 on first reading before the full Council. During that discussion, Mass Transit Administrator (MTA) Tiffany Kai and Deputy Corporation Counsel William Brilhante requested the matter be postponed to allow time to clarify language and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations relating to complementary paratransit services. Your Committee agreed to postpone this matter to the Call of the Chair. Via Comm. 1047.1, dated September 29, 2016, Chair Paleka requested this matter be placed on the October 18, 2016, PSMTC agenda. Given the length of agenda matters, the October 18th PSMTC meeting convened Wednesday, October 19, 2016 in the Kona Council Chambers. There were no testifiers present for this matter. After the close of public testimony, Deputy County Clerk Jon Henricks read Comm. No. 1047 and 1047.1 into the record, preceding a motion made by Ms. Wille and seconded by Ms. Eoff to refer to Council with a positive recommendation. Prior to discussion, Mr. Paleka relinquished his Chair duties to Vice Chair Ilagan. Mr. Paleka then preceded a motion to approve proposed amendments by the contents of Comm. No.1047.3. Mr. Paleka invited MTA Administrator Kai and Paratransit Specialist Karyle Yamane to explain reasoning behind proposed amendments. Ms. Yamane explained to Your Committee that the proposed amendments via Comm. No. 1047.3 is intended to clarify language that may have been confusing, such as the term "complementary," and to flow nicer and reader friendly. Specific details PSMTC REPORT NO. 26