2011-06-29 Committee on People with Disabilities Minutes

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James Souza discussed what he saw as a problem with the deaf community. There is no way for them to contact people for help in their situation and they are feeling helpless. The problem is running water in the toilet. What we are trying to get the water company to see is that if there is a leakage somewhere then they’ll call you and tell you. Most people can hear if their toilet is running but deaf people cannot, and then they get charged with a high water bill. J. Souza tried to have a discussion with the water department and ask questions and they were not very helpful. He asked Nalani from the Hawai‘i Center for Independent Living (HCIL) to help to advocate in this situation. W. Tanigawa asked if there was any agreement between J. Souza and the County. J. Souza responded “yes” and said he thought he signed some kind of agreement when he had the meeting. The water department claimed that J. Souza did not sign the document. J. Souza expressed that he doesn’t know what is going on with them. That’s why I’m feeling helpless at the moment. They said if I don’t pay they will turn off the water. R. Schoen intervened and addressed madam Chair. R. Schoen advised that this matter is before the Committee regarding sensitivity issues. This Committee cannot get involved in a personal matter because they don’t have the authority to do that. If the discussion deals with advice you are going to provide to the Mayor, that is what you are empowered to do, but she would advise against the Committee getting involved in a personal matter. J. Souza comments that it’s not just for deaf people too, it’s not just me, and that others complain as well. P De Lima asked whether he discussed this matter with Teri Spinola-Campbell. J. Souza responded “yes”. An interpreter was present. Teri Spinola-Campbell facilitated the hearing at J. Souza’s request. P. De Lima recommended that J. Souza’s bill and everything that took place be taken up with Teri Spinola-Campbell. J. Souza explains that when he first sat down with Teri Spinola-Campbell, he wanted other deaf people present but he was the only one there. So Teri thought she was only representing me. E. Discussion and vote for a Treasurer for next fiscal year effective July 1, 2011 committee. Wesley Tanigawa felt we need to reinstate the Treasurer position. He recommends Laura Tobosa, the previous Treasurer. The committee unanimously voted to reinstate the position with Laura as the Treasurer. There were no opposing votes. 4