2004-11-05 Committee on People with Disabilities Minutes

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NEW BUSINESS A. EAST AND WEST HAWAII MCPD/VIDEOCONFERENCING L. Scadden reported that he would like MCPDs input on this issue and how best to tie the two sides of the island together. B. Whitney stated that this issue comes up every two or three years. The Mayors have said they dont want to show separation between East and West Hawaii. The issue of using videoconferencing is a possibility. However, she felt having separate Mayors committees would defeat the purpose because we are the county advisory committee to the Mayor. L. Tobosa agreed with B. Whitney. MCPD had this discussion many times before for years. The fact remains that this suggestion came from someone that is not a member of MCPD. She feels the committee is working well and alternating meetings between Hilo and Kona so input is provided to MCPD. Therefore, MCPD should proceed as is unless the committee can come up with a better way. L. Scadden said he agrees with the way the meetings are held now and MCPD being one committee. Secondly, he likes the idea of alternating meetings because it gives everyone an opportunity to bring up their issues every couple of months. J. Matsui indicated that it would be a good idea to have the meeting on both sides of the island because East and West Hawaii members need to get together. B. Whitney said that MCPD should pursue the question of whether or not the committee could use videoconferencing. She is hearing that the Kona people are feeling like they are not able to participate in the Hilo meeting unless they come here. Transportation is an issue for some particular people. L. Scadden stated that he will pursue the videoconferencing after further clarification. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ISSUES S. Scadden reported that she participates in a monthly teleconference in the Mayors Office in Kona and never once have they received any interruption of service. B. Whitney responded that she no longer can participate by telephone in a meeting because of the State Sunshine Law. L. Scadden explained the Sunshine Law to A. Johnson. J. Matsui suggested that MCPD vote on not changing the meeting. MCPD unanimously voted to not change the current meeting structure of alternating between Hilo and Kona. The meeting was recessed at 11:40 a.m. The meeting was reconvened at 11:45 a.m. B. Dunkley reported that the Sulfur Bank Accessible Trail project was completed four monthsago.However,theinterpretivesignsarenotupyet.Oncethesignsarrive,a dedication event or blessing will be held. The Kilauea Visitor Center is undergoing a 4