2013-03-27, Committee on People with Disabilities, Minutes

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parking placard. She also stated that the #3 Communications and Education Committee should be two separate committees. R. Schoen didn’t see a problem with changing the titles of the ad hoc committees to the Access Evaluation Committee and separating out the Communications and Education Committees. She cautioned everyone about complying with the Sunshine Law. So, as an example, if you all meet next week as an ad hoc committee and then you come back in two months and you say this is what we recommend. This entire board cannot vote on that matter until the following meeting. The whole idea is that the board not meet in little groups and discuss board business without the public being afforded the opportunity to participate. And that’s why there is a longer process. You could just invite people that are involved in the community to the various committees. W. Tanigawa asked for volunteers for the Access Evaluation Committee. Chris, Janice, Pauline, Dr. Ron. It was decided that Pauline be the point person for the Access Evaluation Committee. 2. Emergency Preparedness Committee C. Cholas’ idea would be to meet with the Civil Defense Director and have him present what the county’s system is for meeting emergency preparedness for people with special needs in terms of sheltering in place, general programs to make sure people with disabilities know how to be prepared for emergencies. And from there see whether we would need an ad hoc committee for emergency preparedness. After discussion, it was decided to write a letter to the director. W. Tanigawa made a motion that we write a letter to the Civil Defense Director inviting him to the meeting and to ask him if there are any issues or comments that need to be addressed. Laura seconded the motion. All in favor; none opposed. 3. Communications Committee . (All past ad hoc committees were disbanded when the mayor’s term ended.) James and Dr. Ron. 4. Education Committee Dr. Ron, Paige, and Teri. C. Cholas wanted to know what they had in mind for the Education Committee. Dr. R. Wagner-Wright would like to produce educational material and/or presentations to everyone on the Big Island so that they know the law regarding what a service animal is. A service animal is for somebody like me where an animal performs a task to enable me to live a normal life. McGarrett is not a pet. McGarrett cost $60,000. McGarrett is fully trained and has to be because my life is in his hands. Teri did a fantastic manual for County employees regarding service animals, but it is not for the public because that’s Title II. We’re dealing with Title III, which is public population. So, I would like us to do something like what Teri did. 2