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<br />May 7, 2026 <br />The need for wheelchair-accessible playground equipment and improved park <br />facilities for children and adults with disabilities was highlighted, including a <br />shared email from a mother advocating for such improvements. <br /> <br />students in schools. <br /> <br />b. <br /> Ongoing topic regarding accessibility and fee structures. Early entry programs <br />were discussed as a positive example. The absence of a Parks and Recreation <br />Department representative was noted. <br /> The committee considered inviting zoo staff to future meetings. <br /> Sunshine Law limitations on communication between meetings were reviewed, <br />and the mechanism of Permitted Interaction Groups (PIGs) was explained for in- <br />depth work between meetings. <br /> <br />c. Discussion on installation of handrails at County parks and bathrooms for people with <br />disabilities: <br /> The General Plan 2045 directs parks and recreation to accommodate people with <br />disabilities. There is an opportunity to submit amendments or suggestions to the <br />plan before its final adoption by the county council. <br /> Members discussed the process for submitting input and the challenges in <br />navigating the dense General Plan document. <br /> <br />d. <br />2026 Session. <br /> Four state bills relating to people with disabilities are heading to the governor, <br />including: <br /> Extension of the discrimination complaint filing window. <br /> Deaf/hard-of-hearing vehicle registration designation. <br /> Digital accessibility requirements for public-facing businesses. <br /> Protection for people with developmental disabilities seeking community <br />care. <br /> Two resolutions were passed: <br /> One to study healthcare communication with the deaf/hard-of- <br />hearing/Deafblind. <br /> One to review how anti-discrimination laws apply to AI/automated <br />decision systems. <br /> Several bills did not pass, including a right-to-repair for wheelchairs, creation of <br />an ASL interpreter program, and improved evacuation planning for people with <br />disabilities. <br /> State Budget Impacts: <br /> Funding for developmental disabilities was reduced, but key positions <br />remain. <br /> Special education support services faced cuts, particularly for outer island <br />providers. <br /> The Arc of Hilo received a capital grant for facility renovations. <br /> DOE received funds for ADA compliance in school facilities. <br /> General Plan and County Initiatives: <br />2 <br /> <br /> <br />