HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0138.002 2000-2002 r~ Disability
V Rights F _ -
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Hawaii r o nox ss~s, i-i~o, HI %72C (808) 961-3-162
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woraungtogether for accers 1 ~ I 1 ~
~ 3/5/2001.,
Mayor Harry Kim, and
Council Chazr James Arakakt
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni St , Hilo
Dear Mayor Ktm and Chairman Arakakt,
I azn wasting on behalf of Disability Rights Hawazi in urge that Lihiwaz Street be opened
around Liliuokalam Park We do not know how the decision was made to keep the new roadway
closed to traffic after the recent renovations, and so we ask you to forward this request to the
responsible parties
This letter follows a unanimous vote of the membership at the February 27 DRH
meeting, which included about 25 people The question had been raised and discussed in the
January meeting, and the Access Committee was asked to meet and inspect the location. Five
members of the Access Committee inspected the site on February 22, and reported back
The renovations to the Park are wonderfully accessible, and the area is more beautiful
that it ever was But even though there are accessible walkways around and through the Park, the
shoreline can only be reached by walking a distance that very many disabled people are unable to
walk Three brand new Reserved Accessible parking spots on Lihiwai Street that are unusable
because of the closure More disabled people aze "slow walkers" than wheelchair users Most of
these people are unable to enjoy the wonderful new park because the roadway remains closed
The roadblocks not only stop traffic, they also block access to the Park for many disabled
people We therefore ask that the original design of this wonderful renovation be respected, and
the roadblocks removed
Thank you for your consideration
Sincer y,
Ron Amundson, for
Disability Rights Hawaii
P O Box 5575
Hilo, HI 96720
Comm. Na l 3 8 •
Disahs4ty Rights Hawmus atax-exempt nonprofit corporation File No. S ~ R _
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