2004-02-06 Committee on People with Disabilities Minutes

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E. Mason asked if special hearings will be held on the grant for thought the $2.4 million will be divided into three rural areas. T. Brown clarified that the State of Hawaii has three rural areas (Kauai, Maui, Big Island) in the State. The funds were divided as follows: $2.4 million for the Big Island, $800,000 for Maui, and $800,000 for Kauai. The original request was for $3.75 mill got cut down to $2.4 million. Every council district will be receiving part of the funds. However, most of the funding will go towards the Puna area and Kona area. Out of the $2.4 million, $1 million will be used for 4 33-passenger accessible buses and 4 or 5 four-wheel drive vans. T. Brown reported that the Kona route operates from Fujihara Store in Kealia up to Makalei Golf Course. Another expenditure for the funding will be for the Ocean View area to implement daily service between there and Kona. Right now itÓs twice a week service. E. Mason asked if T. Brown has considered putting in signs that say Ðbus stopÑ or Ðcaution pedestrians crossingÑ along the highway so people can get to the bus stop. T. Brown said they are not allowed to have official bus stops along a public highway according to the State of Hawaii. However, the buses do stop on the highway wherever they are flagged down. T. Brown mentioned that they are working on a park and ride concept. He would like to set up this concept in county owned areas because itÓs easier owns the property. T. Brown reported that they have permission to go to the Kona airport at least two times a week. However, they do not have permission to go to the Hilo airport yet. He is working on getting all the Kona buses into the airport once the new routes are implemented. A. Mitchener thanked T. Brown for increasing the bus service to Puna. The route is more user friendly and she anticipates a lot more use by children. There is concern for kids with disabilities using the bus safely and independently. Is there any kind of awareness that is being shared with the bus drivers or the kids who are trying to use the bus service? T. Brown responded that all the buses on the Puna route are accessible. One of the groups that spearheaded additional service in Puna was a group of high school students in Pahoa. The drivers are aware and there hasnÓt been any special case of riders. Most riders are students and workers who work at Prince Kuhio Plaza. E. Mason suggested that T. Brown have a talk at some of the high schools in Kona because they lack the knowledge of what bus service could be. Secondly, she complimented T. Brown on his initiative for riding every single bus route at least twice a year. 3