Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 11, 2023 MinutesMitchell D. Roth Mayor William H. Farr Executive on Aging County of Hawaii OFFICE OF AGING Aging and Disability Resource Center, 1055 Kino'ole Street, Suite 101, Hilo, Hawai'i 96720-3872 Phone (808) 961-8600 • Fax (808) 961-8603 • Email: hcoa@hawaiiantel.net West Hawai'i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona 96740 Phone (808) 323-4390 • Fax (808) 323-4398 MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES Minutes Friday, August 11, 2023 Aging & Disability Resource Center 1055 Kino'ole Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair, Michelle Hiraishi at 12:00 p.m. at the Aging and Disability Resource Center, 1055 Kino'ole Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720. 2. ROLL CALL Members Present: Michelle Hiraishi, Sandra Schuffler, Christen Zulli, ReBecca Bennett, Robert Efford Members Excused: Zak Wittenhagen, Tiffany Dela Cruz Hawaii County Staff: William Horace Farr (Executive on Aging), Suzanna Tiapula (Corporation Counsel), Ryan Caday (EO Officer/ADA Coordinator), Meredith Catalini (Office of Aging), Victor Kandle (Mass Transit Administrator) Zachary Bergum (Mass Transit), Kasie Kailikea (Mass Transit), Tiffany Kai (Mass Transit), Lori Enomoto (Office of Aging) Guests Present: Ann Pease, Tiare Dela Cruz, Mililani Kanamu, Karin Riedel Interpreting Services (ASL) Present: Kaufmann Interpreting Services & Mary R Love Incorporated 3. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Roll call conducted, members acknowledged by Vice Chair, Michelle Hiraishi. A quorum was present. An Area Agency on Aging Huwai `i County is an equal opportunity provider and employer. MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES Friday, August 11, 2023 4. APPROVAL OF THE July 17, 2023 MEETING MINUTES Motion made by Secretary, Sandra Schuffler to approve the July 17, 2023 meeting minutes. Committee Member, Rebecca Bennett seconded. Motion passed. (4 ayes, 0 nays) 5. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS No testimony from the public 6. COUNTY MASS TRANSIT PRESENTATION Mass Transit Administrator, Victor Kandle spoke regarding Paratransit and Beyond Paratransit (shared Taxi). The Mass Transit Agency launched a new Shared Ride Program where the customers must now present their Shared Ride Program Identification Card instead of the taxi coupons. Victor spoke regarding the recent Mass Transit Agency Bus Stop ADA Improvements. Mass Transit has constructed new concrete Bus pads, concrete walkways, and have replaced signs and posts. (Handouts were distributed in the meeting, showing the MTA Bus Stop ADA Improvements.) Mass Transit is also working on making the Flag Stops easier to identify, as well as adding bus stop shelters at a number of locations. Mass Transit is currently acquiring 14 new buses, and 25 more buses over the next 2-3 years. The newer buses will have automatic stop announcements, kneeling capabilities, low floors with ramps instead of lifts, and more. Victor shared that Mass Transit has a Mystery Rider program, where the riders will use the Bus system, and will observe and report directly to Mass Transit. Mass Transit Outreach includes the National Federation for the Blind, East Hawaii Disability Legislative Forums, and Hawaii Island Adult Care. Mass Transit, Kasie Kailikea spoke regarding the Internal Signage in the buses. Although, there are some newer buses which have the Internal Signage, it is currently not operable, but Mass Transit is working on it. Kasie explained the older buses do not have the enunciator or the screens which tell you what stop you are at. Mass Transit recommends that when the rider boards the bus, they ask, write, or text to the bus driver of the specific stop they have to get off at and sit in the front seats closer to the driver. Each bus driver is equipped with booklet which shows the different stops the rider can point to. Secretary, Schuffler asked if paratransit drivers are trained to handle individuals who have a seizure disorder. Mass Transit, Tiffany Kai shared that Paratransit drivers are trained in CPR and First Aid, but are also trained to assess the situation and to call 911 or go to the hospital if an individual is not feeling well. E MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES Friday, August 11, 2023 Public Member, Karen Ridel shared that some people who participate in the Shared Ride Program have had concerns regarding traveling over 4 miles. These individuals have explained to her that they do not know when their 4 miles have ended, and are afraid to pay out of pocket if and when the ride exceeds 4 miles. Mass Transit, Tiffany Kai explained that they have asked their Shared Ride Program drivers and operators for feedback regarding this specific situation and their drivers have informed them that this has not happened yet. The reason being, the driver or dispatcher will ask the rider what the destination will be prior to the ride, and if the location is over 4 miles per trip, they will address this with the rider. Mass Transit, Tiffany Kai explained that if the routes change or expand, Paratransit will expand. Paratransit will always follow the fixed route. Mass Transit, Kasie Kailikea shared that the flex route program and HCEOC will provide service on some rural routes by picking up an individual from their home and taking them to the nearest bus stop, as long as it is within a mile. Public Member, Karin Ridel asked if Mass Transit will pick up stranded individuals during a natural disaster emergency. Mass Transit Administrator, Victor Kandle explained that Mass Transit works closely with Civil Defense, and have been responsive to requests during emergency situation. Mass Transit is in the process of hiring an individual who will be more responsive on social media. Committee Member, Efford asked if there are additional vans on order for MTM Paratransit for the influx on new participants, and if there is a strategic plan for individuals who live in rural areas from a bus to Paratransit. Mass Transit, Tiffany Kai explained that Mass Transit currently has 7 Paratransit vehicles, and are working with MTM on adding more vehicles. Tiffany shared that they are working on a grant to get additional Paratransit vehicles, and that from July of 2022 to June of 2023, the ridership went up almost 200 percent. Committee Member, Efford explained that the County leadership is so supportive of their team and getting funds, so he feels that they are in a good spot and going to a better spot. Mass Transit, Zachary Bergum explained that they are working with different vendors this week to provide a better app service, so riders can view on their phone when the bus will arrive, or if it is running late. Mass Transit, Tiffany Kai shared that if anyone has questions regarding Paratransit or Taxi or they can contact her. Tiffany explained that Mass Transit is sending out a survey which will be going out at the end of August. 3 MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES Friday, August 11, 2023 Mass Transit, Kasie Kailikea shared that if anyone has questions regarding the Fixed Route Program, they can contact her, or email Mass Transit. Public Member, Karen Ridel, suggested that the County or anybody who is developing a booklet or signage for People with Disabilities, to work with a person with disabilities because they know best what information is needed. Vice Chair, Hiraishi explained that the Committee is informally requesting to the Mass Transit to do a Disability Survey to their known participants, and if an update could be given to the Committee within 3 months. Vice Chair, Hiraishi explained that the Committee has asked if Mass Transit could come up with a design/signage with assistance from the Committee Members where Committee Member, ReBecca Bennett will be the first point -of -contact, and Vice Chair, Michelle Hiraishi, will be the second point -of contact. 7. CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR ELECTIONS Chair, Michelle Hiraishi. Motion made by Secretary, Sandra Schuffler to accept the nomination. Seconded by Committee Member, Christen Zulli. (4 ayes, 0 nays) Vice Chair, Christen Zulli. Motion made by Committee Member, Robert Efford to accept the nomination. Seconded by Committee Member, ReBecca Bennett. (4 ayes, 0 nays) 8. d/DEAF/HARD-OF-HEARING INTERPRETATION RESOURCES SUMMARY Kaufmann Interpreting Services, Carrie Kaufmann presented information on ASL interpreters on Hawai'i Island. Carrie shared that there are 3 nationally certified (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf/NIC), full-time community interpreters, 1 nationally certified limited availability interpreter, 1 pre -certified online only interpreter, and 2 Department of Education staff interpreters. Carrie spoke about the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Certification, and in order to qualify to take the NIC exam, the candidate must have a bachelor's degree. There is a written knowledge exam and a performance exam, and for the RID certified interpreters to maintain national certification and licensing, they must complete a minimum of 80 hours of continuing education every 4- year cycle. Carrie shared that the Hawaii Quality Assurance System, which is the Hawai'i certification program, is not recognized outside of Hawai'i as a certification. (Information was distributed in the meeting giving information about ASL Interpreters on Hawai'i Island, and Hearing Loss Statistics.) Committee Member, Efford asked what other County Governments are doing, that we can bring back as a best practice to Mayor Roth's Office when advocating for interpreters. EO Officer/ADA Coordinator, Ryan Caday explained that he will be using the ADA funds in order to pay the interpreters to attend the Mayor's Committee on People with Disabilities meeting. Ryan shared that other Counties use a combination of interpreters and online interpreting services. 9 MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES Friday, August 11, 2023 Kaufmann Interpreting Services, Carrie Kaufmann explained that using an online interpreting system in a location which is so culturally rich, and language diverse, is difficult. Committee Member, Efford explained that the Arc of Hilo is the largest employer of individuals with developmental disabilities on the Island. The Arc works with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and their Federal Grant requires that they provide the support needed for those who are eligible under the DVR Federal Grant. Chair, Michelle Hiraishi shared that an Annual Report must be submitted by the Committee to the Mayor. 9. PRIORITY INITIATIVE TOPICS EO Officer/ADA Coordinator, Ryan Caday explained that he will be reaching out to Civil Defense, and will follow up with Coffee with a Cop with the d/Deaf/Hard-Of-Hearing Community. The next scheduled Mayor's Committee on People's with Disabilities Meeting will be on September 15, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 10.ANNOUNCEMENTS 11.ADJOURNMENT Secretary, Sandra Schuffler made a motion to adjourn. Vice Chair, Christen Zulli seconded the motion. (4 ayes, 0 nays) Chair, Michelle Hiraishi adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 5