2013-07-31, Committee on People with Disabilities Minutes

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letter should be more specific to beach access instead of the Federal Grant. There was more discussion and the committee would like access to the beach be the priority now since people have been waiting all these years for beach access. There are a lot of resources for children but nothing for the disabled – no beach access for people with disabilities. If it finally came to fruition, this would be the first time that people with disabilities had beach access on the Big Island. F. Stone stated that there were over 40 people waiting to get into the ocean on S. Nagasawa Mobi Mat day at Richardson’s. agrees with making this a regular thing instead of only three moths of the year, one day a week. There is no wheelchair accessible beach and here is the perfect place for it. Pauline suggested having a page of supporting documents or quotes. So it was decided that the intent of the letter is good – maybe taking out some technical stuff and having an appendix, and then simplifying the letter that there is a need for a beach that has wheelchair accessibility and from recent events it is evident by the amount of people who show up for beach days, and it should be made the highest priority for renovation at Richardson’s over any other renovations. Ron will help Janice with rewording, etc. Chris thanked Janice for working on the letter. REPORT OF AD HOC COMMITTEES 1. Access Committee Letter to Mass Transit Agency was read by Pauline C. Cholas suggested after the first bullet, add: eg, wheelchair accessible taxis and handivan service. In the letter, just extend an invitation to one of our upcoming meetings. Pauline inquired if the letter should state - please expect a call from Paige De Lima, Chair. There was no more discussion about the letter except getting dates for the next meeting. Letter to Police Department was read by Chris Some of the changes that were discussed: For the second paragraph after such as: add under that a bullet – police awareness and training of the police department for interacting and communicating with people with various disabilities including those with communication impairments. This was suggested by Pauline. Jessie suggested that the second paragraph could be – The Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities advises the Mayor on issues and programs that affect those who have disabilities who live in Hawai‘i County. The first bullet – policies, I’d probably delete that because police, they enforce laws. The second one being – the Police Department’s actions to enforce the law regarding illegal parking in designated parking stalls for people with disabilities, particularly in recreational and shopping areas. The last paragraph – We hope you will be able to…- I’d delete all the way down. Pauline stated to share an overview of police interaction in relation to people with disabilities. Letter to Public Works was read by Pauline The letter was fine the way it was, but just add that Paige will contact them. There was no other discussion. 3