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homes. They couldnt get out of their nursing homes because when they were flown <br />from wherever they were to the nursing homes, their wheelchairs were left at the <br />tarmac at the airport with noidentifying tags. Therefore, many counties are now <br />reviewing their disaster plans and discussing making agreements with the Centers <br />for Independent Living, Red Cross, National Guard, and people with accessible <br />vans. These agencies need to work together. They need to understand that the <br />services that can be provided during an emergency are very valuable. <br />H. Marks reported that the Department of Health is heading some kind of statewide <br />initiative on emergency preparedness. <br />NEW BUSINESS <br />L. Tobosa reported there was a Medicare Education Forum sponsored by the State <br />Executive Office on Aging held at Aunty Sally KaleohanosLuau Hale. A person who <br />has a disability or an elderly person who has early stages of Alzheimers or dementia <br />will have a difficult time understanding what to do because its a complicated plan. <br />STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ISSUES <br />H. Marks reported that there will be an East Hawaii Legislative Forum on November 17 <br />at Wailoa State Park, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. <br />H. Marks said he has been in touch with Hawaii Disability Rights Center and there <br />seems to be some confusion regarding natural guardianship. The issue has been <br />straightened out and the Attorney Generals Office will speak to the appropriate <br />agencies to have them educated that there is no such thing as natural guardianship. An <br />effort is underway to have the old law removed legislatively. <br />H. Marks mentioned that he wrote a resolution on missing persons for the State of <br />Hawaii. He will share it with MCPD when its in a presentable form. He also wrote a bill <br />regarding missing persons which is very broad. <br />H. Marks stated that he has been hearing that HCEOC and Coordinated Services for <br />theElderlyhavebeendenyingpeoplewithdisabilitiesaccesstotheirtransportation <br />systems. However, this is not true. M. Gleason said that he heard a comment by one <br />oftheHCEOCadministratorsthattheycantfindemployeestobedrivers. <br />H.Marksindicatedthatfostercarehomesaredisqualifiediftheyhavecatchmentwater. <br />However, foster homes for children are not disqualified. Therefore, the policy needs to <br />bereviewedsomoreoptionsareavailableforpeople. <br />The East Hawaii Developmental Disability Committee and the West Hawaii <br />Developmental Disability Committee wrote a letter of concern to Medicaid regarding <br />dental care and access to care on the Big Island. The State Mental Health Division and <br />the Medicaid office referred it to him to find out how many people on the Big Island are <br />having trouble accessing dental care, specifically pain management services and how <br />many are there who need to be flown to Honolulu. <br />3 <br /> <br />