2003-09-05 Committee on People with Disabilities Minutes

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Sergeant R. Apele says that the biggest problem is supervision. He is the designated supervisor, but his office is in Hilo. When the prog department, there was no manpower or a person to run the program. The Kona volunteers have been good and they work very independently. There have not been many complaints or any serious confrontations. Safety is a primary factor when the volunteers are working and they are required to work in teams. Another problem is funding for the program. The program needs to upgrade some equipment/uniforms. Currently, the volunteers are using an orange traffic vest which they donÓt like. However, they are encouraged to use it for visibility and safety. Sergeant R. Apele suggested a matching t-shirt or polo shirt to wear with the vest to look more uniform and easily identifiable. The volunteers should be properly attired. A. Mitchener asked a question about a phone number to call to report a violation. Sergeant R. Apele explained that if there is a violation, then a person would call Hilo dispatch (935-3311). The dispatcher would then send an officer down based on availability. If an officer is unable to respond or does not get there in time for the violation, then the location and license plate number of the vehicle could be forwarded to the Traffic Services Section to send a notice of violation letter. J. Souza suggested advertising the recruitment process because many people told him they want to volunteer, but they never heard anything about it. Sergeant R. Apele said paid advertisement is done via the newspaper and a press release during the recruitment period only. The advertisement was done eight or nine months ago for several weeks in the newspaper and via press rele L. Tobosa thanked Sergeant R. Apele for coordinating this successful program. She asked what is the highest rate of violations issued by the volunteers. Sergeant R. Apele said it was no placards. They have encountered vehicles that are parked with no display placard whether itÓs a violation where someone is parked illegally or someone who forgot to place their placard. While conducting training in Kona, they encountered a taxicab parked in an accessible parking stall with an accessible placard displayed. He was issued a citation because he couldnÓt produce identification for the passenger who was in the store. This situation has created a problem or concern and has been brought to the attention of DCAB on Oahu at a meeting. There may be a caregiver, family member, or taxi driver who is issued a citation for assisting a person with a disability. This occurs often on Oahu. The judges will throw out the case and not issue a fine because they want to help people with disabilities and do not want to put additional hindrances upon everyone. It was explained to the judges that itÓs a very gray area. The new law allows the District Court judges to fine the appropriate owner of a placard a lower amount ($25) if they are in an accessible stall and forget to hang their placard. 4