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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 19 2020Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawaii OFFICE OF AGING Mayor's Committee on People with Disabilities Minutes January 15, 2020 Aging and Disability Resource Center, 1055 Kino'ole Street, Suite 101, Hilo, Hawaii 96720-3872 Phone (808) 961-8600 Fax (808) 961-8603 I Finail: hcoa(ahawaiiantel.net West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Are Keohok3lole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 Phone (808) 323-4390 Fax (808) 3234398 Call to Order: (Secretary/Treasurer) Susan Shirachi called the meeting to start at 10:12 a.m. William H. Farr Executive on Aging Members Present: (Secretary/Treasurer) Susan Shirachi, Penny Alcoran, Linda Gonzales, Byron Yogi Members Excused: Pamela Punihaole, Patricia Walters Members Unexcused: Laina Tones County Staff: Jay Yoshimoto (Corporate Counsel), Christina Raine (Office of Aging) Guests Present: William Horace Farr Topic/Agenda Item Discussion Action 1. Welcome and Roll call conducted, members introductions. acknowledged their presence. Quorum met. 2 Approval of the July Approval of the January 15, 2020 Meeting Motion made to approve minutes 17, 2019, 2019 Minutes by Member Gonzales, and Meeting Minutes Member Yogi seconded. Motion passed (4 ayes, 0 nays). 3. Public Testimony Mr. Farr provided the historical on Agenda Items. context of the Committee, and his personal and professional understanding of persons with disabilities. Hau at i County is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Aging r& An Area Agency on 4. Old Business Annual Report to the Mayor, via the Letters to Mayor were sent out at Office of Aging the close of 2019 year. Members may request a copy from Ms. Raines. 6. New Business Resignation of Chair Patricia Walters and Chair Walters' letter of Laina Torres resignation was received on January 14, 2020 by the Mayor's office and the committee expressed their thanks for her efforts to help fulfill the mission of the residents with disabilities in the County of Hawaii. Member Torres' membership termination was put into effect due to lack of committee attendance, as per committee by- laws, Article III (5)(D). Nomination and Election of New Officers Initial discussion centered on — Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer possible recruitment of new members which might offer greater opportunities for candidates to fill the two open committee positions. Legal counsel Yoshimoto indicated that should there be no elected leaders for the two vacated positions, the committee members can decide on a temporary measure to create the agenda and write the minutes. The committee efforts should be a collaborative effort and that the voice of the committee is heard. C. Budget Report As of January 31, 2020, there was a balance of $ 2442.61 in the committee budget. Ms. Gonzalez approved the budget, Ms. Alcorn seconded. All in favor (4 ayes, 0 nays. D. Goal Setting for 2020 Committee meetings of the 2019 term were discussed and the possible options were discussed to address the members concerns of the number of meetings that were postponed or cancelled. 2 Matter will be brought up for discussion at the February 2020 meeting. Ms. Raines to check on the committee meetings for November and December 2020 meeting places and dates. Mr. Farr will be provided a courtesy notice in his capacity of the Interim Director of the Office of Aging. The option to have emergency meetings with appropriate advance public notice is also a possible option for the Executive Committee to consider. In addition that the public within the member's local vicinities or region, be possibly approached for committee input. The goal and charge of the committee was reviewed. There was a brief review of the subcommittee membership and last actions taken. Although the charge is to advise the Mayor, the amount of feedback may not be substantive enough, relevant, or be articulated succinctly so that it may addressed at the County administrative level. It is more than just listing problem to the Mayor, but to offer reasonable solutions Different communication options were shared as a possible model for gathering community input (e.g., Kupuna caucus). The community model offered by the Department of Heath Developmental Disabilities Council was mentioned because of their focus on specific topic areas (e.g., Health, Aging, Employment, transportation, Housing, Education) taking into consideration of both the East and West sides of Hawaii. The of coordination between 191 County and States is a possible way to increase outreach to the public and for the public to provide to the committee. Informal connections that is unique to the `local' style of the Big Island residents appears to be occurring, rather than the formal meeting and information gathering process. The members recognize that it is the human connection between the members and the public (based on familiarity of contact) that will increase the information gathering processes on behalf of the committee. A prior recommendation from his prior Office of Aging Director was mentioned by Member Yogi in which a macro list could be created of all county residents with vendor collection supports to gather the resident information. The possible consideration is to consider the larger issue of what to do with the information that are being gathered on behalf of the committee. Members reflected both an informal process of resolving the issues within the membership, as a form of shared community service. Other members felt that such matters should be included as part of the information that is shared with the Mayor as County matters that have come up and can be collectively addressed as larger issues at the macro level by the Mayor. It was suggested that the communications to the Mayor be consolidated to I page and contain consolidated concerns with recommendation. It is recommended that the Executive Committee draft the letters, or to 4 5 have the Committee collectively draft the letter. It was also suggested that each person comes to the Committee each month with one problem or concern, and possible solution. The members were suggested to be the field agents to gather these concerns from the community. It was suggested that Ms. Bautista be invited to the Committee. As an information for the committee, Corporate Counsel Yoshimoto indicated that Ms. Bautista has resigned. Mr. Yoshimoto also mentioned that another Mayor's Advisory Committee. That committee made a recommendation to the Mayor's office to request that the description and the duties of their committee be changed in the County Code. The change was succinct with rationale provided. The Chair then presented the proposal to the County Council and within months the Code was changed to reflect their requested changes. It was proposed that the letter to the Mayor for the month should be crafted at the time of the meeting and be ready for forwarding for Mayoral consideration by the end of the meeting. 7. Announcements No announcements shared. 8. Vox Populi (Voice No member of the public present. of the People) 5 9. Next Meeting February 19, 2020, 10 am to 12 pm at the West Civic Center, Hale G, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 10. Adjournment Member Gonzales made a motion to adjourn, Member Alcoran seconded the motion. Motion passed (4 ayes, 0 nays). The meeting adjourned at 11:53 am. 0 COUNTY CHARTER COUNTY OF HAWAII 2018 Section 13-20. Records and Meetings Open to The Public. (a) All books, minutes and records of every agency of the county shall be open to the inspection of any person at any time during business hours, except as otherwise provided by law.: Certified copies or extracts from such books and records shall be given by the officer who has custody of same to any person requesting such copies and extracts and paying or tendering a reasonable fee to be fixed by the council. (b) All meetings of the council, boards and commissions shall be held in the council meeting room or other public places and no such bodies shall take any official action except at a meeting open to the public. Where personal matters affecting the privacy of an individual are to be considered, the council, board or commission may, at the request of the individual involved, consider such matters in closed session; however, any official action resulting therefrom shall be acted upon in an open meeting. Boards ano commissions that are empowered to give examinations to determine the capabilities of individuals shall be excepted from the provisions of flus section when technical examinations and questionnaires are being drafted by such bodies. The term "official action" as used in this section means a collective decision made by a majority of the members of the council, board or commission, or an actual vote by a majority of the members of the council, board or commission, when sitting as a body or an entity, upon any matter before the council, board or commission. (c) The council, board or commission shall provide notice of any regular, special, rescheduled or emergency meeting according to the provisions of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. (d) Business conducted by the council, board or commission during a meeting which does not conform to the provisions of this section shall be null and void. (e) News gatherer's sources, privileged. No legislative or administrative body, or any other county body having the power to issue subpoenas shall adjudge in contempt any publisher, editor, or reporter, who is or was connected with or employed by a newspaper, press association, wire service, or a radio or television station, for refusing to disclose, in any county action, hearing, investigation, inquest, or inquiry, the source of any information procured while connected or employed by the newspaper, press association, wire service, or station for publication in a newspaper or for news or news commentary purposes on radio or television. (1974, Ord. No. 58, sec. 1; 1990, Prop. 10, sec. 5; 2010, Prop. 7, secs. 60 and 61, Prop. 18, sec. 1, and Prop. 19, sec. 6; 2012, Ord. No. 11-85, sec. 2.) Section 14-5. Board of Ethics. There shall be a board of ethics appointed by the mayor with the approval of the council. It shall consist of five members who shall be residents of the county. Each shall serve for a term of five years. Upon the initial appointment of members pursuant to this charter, one shall be appointed for a term of one year, one for a term of two years, one for a term of three years, one for a term of four years and one for a term of five years. The board shall establish its rules of procedure. Without limitation of its functions, the board shall: (a) Interpret the code of ethics for both county officials and the public and on its own may initiate and render opinions with respect thereto. (b) Render advisory opinions to county officers and employees with respect to the code of ethics pursuant to written requests by officers and employees. (c) Receive and initiate complaints of violations of the code of ethics and transmit such complaints to the council or the appropriate appointing authority, along with any pertinent advisory opinions thereto. (d) Hold hearings or conduct investigations concerning application of the code of ethics and make public such violations of the code that come to its attention. (e) Publish advisory opinions with such deletions as may be necessary to prevent disclosure of identity of persons involved where such opinions are rendered pursuant to subsection (b) above. (f) Propose revisions to the code of ethics where not inconsistent with this charter. (2010, Prop. 7, sec. 64.) Section 14-6. Penalties. The failure to comply with the provisions of Sections 14-2 to 14-4, inclusive, shall constitute a cause for suspension, removal from office or employment, or such other penalty as the council may prescribe by ordinance. Nothing herein shall preclude any other remedy available against the officer or employee of the county as provided by law. (2010, Prop. 7, sec. 65.) a� �. , HawaiiCountyAlerts Your safety is our top concern. That's why Hawaii County wants to make sure you know about emergencies and incidents as they happen. By opting into the Civil Defense Alerts and emergency notification system you'll be informed before, during, and after incidents that could impact your safety. The Hawaii County emergency notification system, powered by Everbridge, will allow us to send you messages about situations as they happen across multiple devices, including your home phone, mobile device, email, and more. For this system to be a success, we need your contact information so we can reach you in the event of an emergency. Don't worry, we will never sell or share your personal Information with any third -party organizations. HOW TO REGISTER: Online — https:Hbit.ly/2kPX11C Powered by .�evtun rbridge Name Home Phone Mobile Phone Business Phone Address City Zip Code Email Dr. Kimo's Did You Know? - � a v p u a x, � ., e a I Being Prepared to the Fullest Extent Possible Means Knowing Your Needs Way in Advance. Help us to know you better. The Hawaii County Office of Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is solicit- ing voluntary information to better assist you in the event of an emergency evacuation due to volcanic activity. If you or a loved one has a physical or cognitive disability and lives in upper Leilani, Nanawale, Volcano, or other areas significantly affected by volcanic activity, please contact (808) 961-8626 or (808) 961-8600 leave your name, type of disability, assistive de- vice(s) needed for mobility, necessary accommodations for transport, type(s) and number of pets, home address, and best phone number to contact you. This information will be kept confidential and used only in the event of a mandatory evacuation. Again, in cooperation with you to ensure your safety, please contact (808) 961-8600 or 808 961-8626 and leave your name, type of disability, assistive device(s) needed for mobility, necessary accommodations for transport, type(s) and number of pets, home address, and best phone number to contact you. Mahalo. Dr. Kimo Alameda Pu'uhonua o Puna Info and Supply Hub Pu'uhonua o Puna Info & Supply hub of activity is at the intersection Hawaii County Planning, Build - Hub is another stellar example of a of Highway 132 (Pahoa-Kapoho Ing and Fire Departments to community based organization that Road) and Highway 130 (Ke'eau- build emergency shelters on a emerged and flourishes as an infor- Pahoa Road.) Donations are ac- local land owner's offering of mation and supply hub in Pahoa for cepted. Examples of the type of private property. Outstanding. our all Puna district evacuees, in- supplies provided include clothing, Food, clothing and shelter are cluding our beloved kupuna and bedding, and toothbrushes. Please extremely valuable community disabled persons. It was setup by stop by to give or receive. resources facilitated by hub heart. Ashley Kierkiewicz, Ikaika Marzo Pu'uhonua as a of and others in May 2018. It is a liv- Furthermore, Kierkiewicz states Visit their Facebook page for ing and breathing place of refuge Pu'uhonua o Puna continues to more information: and spirit as community residents grow and has expanded their ser- httPS'4/www.fac?book.com/­`pu and resources pull together. This vices to include discussions with uhonuaopuna/ Page 2 HCOA programs are funded by the County of Hawaii, the State Executive Office of Aging, Older Americans Act Title III funds. and through