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March 19, 1997 <br /> Testimony of George Yokoyama RECEIVED <br /> Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council Time.._~.._._,_._ ey.._.______.._._._.__ <br /> 47 Rainbow Drive Date - <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 t County Council ' <br /> TO: COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> Honorable Chairperson and members of the committee, I wish to testify in support of the <br /> Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council's request of $212,300 for FY 97-98 to <br /> continue our specialized/individualized transportation service which provides mobility to <br /> the low income elderly, the handicapped and pre-school children and the request of <br /> $84,000 to purchase 2 vehicles. <br /> The objectives of the transportation service aze: <br /> 1. To enable 800 elderly, low income people to maintain independent living and expand <br /> their socialization opportunities by providing access to community resources such as <br /> nutrition hot meal sites, banks, public service facilities, post offices, shopping areas, <br /> medical facilities and recreational facilities, <br /> 2. To provide access to an educationally stimulating environment for 200 preschool age <br /> children of low-ir+.cc*~P disadvantaged pazents. <br /> 3. To provide access to rehabilitation centers and other community resources for 350 <br /> disabled persons. <br /> 4. To provide safe, dependable service for the elderly, disabled and pre-school residents <br /> by maintaining a fleet of safe, operable vehicles. <br /> Our program provides point to point specialized transportation routes which serve <br /> numerous isolated communities within a widely dispersed, 260 mile geographic <br /> <br /> perimeter, island wide azea No transportation system, except ours, currently serves the <br /> low income residents of our county or these communities. Our service allows the elderly <br /> <br /> to maintain their independent living, improves the education and choices oflow-income <br /> people and provides the vital link of people to services. <br /> The county has supported this transportation system for our low-income elderly, pre- <br /> school children and disabled residents since 1980 and I hope we can count on your <br /> continued support of this vital service benefiting the disenfranchised residents of our <br /> county. <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to testify. <br /> Cocnra nla / 9 3 <br /> Ii':ie~ lid. 1. , ^ i` <br /> tt. r. 'c~;:?~entf:d3t.NsEOG,. <br /> a~z. [r~et• /IFGBRI 91897 <br /> <br />