HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0193.012 1996-1998 March 19, 1997
Testimony of George Yokoyama RECEIVED
Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council Time.._~.._._,_._ ey.._.______.._._._.__
47 Rainbow Drive Date -
Hilo, HI 96720 t County Council '
TO: COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Honorable Chairperson and members of the committee, I wish to testify in support of the
Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council's request of $212,300 for FY 97-98 to
continue our specialized/individualized transportation service which provides mobility to
the low income elderly, the handicapped and pre-school children and the request of
$84,000 to purchase 2 vehicles.
The objectives of the transportation service aze:
1. To enable 800 elderly, low income people to maintain independent living and expand
their socialization opportunities by providing access to community resources such as
nutrition hot meal sites, banks, public service facilities, post offices, shopping areas,
medical facilities and recreational facilities,
2. To provide access to an educationally stimulating environment for 200 preschool age
children of low-ir+.cc*~P disadvantaged pazents.
3. To provide access to rehabilitation centers and other community resources for 350
disabled persons.
4. To provide safe, dependable service for the elderly, disabled and pre-school residents
by maintaining a fleet of safe, operable vehicles.
Our program provides point to point specialized transportation routes which serve
numerous isolated communities within a widely dispersed, 260 mile geographic
perimeter, island wide azea No transportation system, except ours, currently serves the
low income residents of our county or these communities. Our service allows the elderly
to maintain their independent living, improves the education and choices oflow-income
people and provides the vital link of people to services.
The county has supported this transportation system for our low-income elderly, pre-
school children and disabled residents since 1980 and I hope we can count on your
continued support of this vital service benefiting the disenfranchised residents of our
county.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
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