HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 13, 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, October 13, 2023
Hawaii County Building Council Chambers and via Zoom
25 Aupuni Street, Room 1401, Hilo Hawai'i 96720
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair, Michelle Hiraishi at 12:30 P.M. at
the Hawaii County Building Council Chambers and via Zoom, 25 Aupuni
Street, Room 1401, Hilo, Hawai'i 96720.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Michelle Hiraishi, ReBecca Bennett, Sandra Schuffler,
Zahava Zaidoff, Tiffany Dela Cruz
Members Attending by Zoom: Julia Althoff
Members Excused: Christen Zulli, Robert Efford,
Hawaii County Staff: William Horace Farr (Executive on Aging), Suzanna
Tiapula (Deputy Corporation Counsel), Ryan Caday (EO Officer/ADA
Coordinator), Meredith Catalini (Office of Aging), Lori Enomoto (Office of
Aging)
Interpreting Services (ASL) Present: Kaufmann Interpreting Services
3. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Roll call conducted, members acknowledged by 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, October 13, 2023
4. APPROVAL OF THE September 15, 2023 MEETING MINUTES
Motion made by Committee Member,
September 15, 2023 meeting minutes
was any discussion.
Rebecca Bennett, to accept the
. Chair, Michelle Hiraishi asked if there
Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff explained on Page 2, #4, Approval of the
August 11, 2023 Meeting Minutes where it states Committee Member,
Zahava Zaidoff seconded, to be corrected to Committee Member, Zahava
Zaidoff abstained.
Zahava Zaidoff explained on Page 4, #11, Adjournment where it states Public
Member, Zahava Zaidoff and Public Member, ReBecca Bennett, to be
corrected to Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff and Committee Member,
ReBecca Bennett.
Motion made by Committee Member, ReBecca Bennett to accept the
amended September 15, 2023 meeting minutes. Secretary, Sandra Schuffler,
seconded. No further discussion. (5 ayes, 0 nays)
5. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS
No Testimony from the Public.
6. COMMITTEE PURPOSE AND ROLE: BY-LAW REVIEW
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi asked the Committee to look over the by-laws and
briefly review and determine what the Mayor's Committee on People with
Disabilities role is.
Chair, Michele Hiraishi asked the Committee Members to look at Page 4,
Article II Roles and Goals of the Committee which states:
1. THE MCPD IS ESTABLISHED BY THE MAYOR, THROUGH
AUTHORITY GRANTED UNDER ARTICLE IV EXECUTIVE BRANCH —
GENERAL PROVISION, SECTION 4-4 ADVISORY COMMISSISON OF
THE COUNTY CHARGER.
2. THE MCPD CONSISTS OF MEMBERS WHO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT
INTEREST IN AIDING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES AND ACCEPT THE
PRIMARY ROLE AND GOALS OF THE MCPD AS NOTED IN THE
FOLLOWING STATEMENTS.
3. THE MCPD SHALL ADVISE THE MAYOR OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII
ON ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES RELATED TO PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES. AS ITS PRIMARY GOAL, THE MCPD SHALL REVIEW
AND RECOMMEND ACTION AND PROVIDE GUIDELINES TO
IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII. ITEMS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF
ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES, SHALL BE REFERRED TO OTHER COUNTY
OF HAWAII DEPARTMENTS OR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES, AS
APPROPRIATE.
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MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES
Friday, October 13, 2023
4. THE MCPD SHALL EVALUATE SERVICES AND PUBLIC FACILITES
THAT AFFECT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES TO IMPROVE THEIR
ACCESSIBILITY.
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi explained the reason for the Mayor's Committee on
People with Disabilities is to give our Mayor guidance and suggestions.
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi explained that at this time we are not changing the by-
laws, but we can set a subcommittee to bring recommendations to this
Committee.
Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff asked to share a thought about the roles
and goals of the Committee, that's not directly related to if can we make a
change right now. Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff explained in reading
the roles and goals 1-4, missing in the roles and goals that this be a place for
people with disabilities to have a voice, so they themselves can communicate
their needs as it relates to accessibility and supports which are needed in
public facilities as well as to evaluate the services. Committee Member,
Zahava Zaidoff asked for this to be a stated goal.
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi, suggested on the Agenda for the next meeting, to
include establishing a subcommittee to address and look at the by-laws.
7. PRIORITY INITIATIVES: TOPICS REVIEW, DATA REVIEW
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi explained the Priority Initiative Topics, which were
discussed during the September 15, 2023 meeting, and the Committee
Members who had volunteered to be a part each of the following Initiatives:
Female Specific Disorders and Disabilities - Vice Chair Christen Zulli
d/DEAF/HARD-OF-HEARING - Committee Member Tiffany Dela Cruz and
Committee Member ReBecca Bennett
Autism - Secretary Sandra Schuffler
Committee Member, Julia Althoff asked what about autism or neurodivergent.
will the Committee be focusing.
Secretary, Sandra Schuffler explained she has worked with the population, so
her direction was towards public servants, training of first responders, housing,
and DOE and their transition for the population. All -encompassing so the
population is seen, heard, and recognized.
Compliance & Accountability for Businesses & Government - Chair
Michelle Hiraishi and EO Officer/ADA Coordinator Ryan Caday
Outreach Social Media Marketing - Vice Chair Christen Zulli
Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff explained there are 9 diagnoses,
dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, hyperlexia, OCD, autism, ADHD,
and other forms of anxiety per the American Medical Association under the
category of neurodivergent.
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MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES
Friday, October 13, 2023
Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff shared on how the Mayor's Office,
County Council, or have a room in every County Building which could provide
a low sensory space, where an individual could walk in fully engaged, and if
there is anxiety happening from lights, sounds or smells, they can go to, to
feel safe.
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi asked if anyone would like to make a motion to
change the Autism Initiative to Neurodivergent Initiative. Committee Member,
Zahava Zaidoff made a motion to change name of the Autism Initiative to
Neurodivergent Initiative for the purposes of it to be open for discussion.
Secretary, Sandra Schuffler seconded.
Secretary, Sandra Schuffler explained when she has spoken to the lifeguards
and first responders, they are including autism and neurodivergent in their
mental health training. Secretary, Sandra Schuffler suggested that a
subcommittee possibly be formed under the d/DEAF/HARD-OF-HEARING
Initiative, so the first responders are included in that Initiative.
Committee Member, ReBecca Bennett indicated everyone has to have
communication access and the Picture Exchange Communication Card.
Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula explained if there is more than
one Committee Member working on an Initiative, a permitted interaction group
must be formed. If there is a sub -committee which is meeting and working
together, that sub -committee must follow the Sunshine Law. Deputy
Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula suggested on the next agenda, there
be a 10-15 minute discussion with Corporation Counsel, on how to form a
permitted interaction group.
Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff explained that at the last meeting a
permitted interaction group was formed and voted on for the d/DEAF/HARD-
OF-HEARING Initiative, in order for Committee Member, Tiffany Dela Cruz
and Committee Member, ReBecca Bennett to be a part of this Initiative, and
the Youth Transitioning & Supportive Employment for People with Disabilities
Initiative, in order for Committee Member, Robert Efford and Committee
Member, Julia Althoff to be a part of this Initiative.
Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula expressed that the permitted
interaction group, which is a minimum of three Committee meetings, must
have a very specific and narrowly tailored focus. Deputy Corporation Counsel,
Suzanna Tiapula explained the permitted interaction group would prepare the
report to be presented to the Committee, deliver their report to the Committee
who cannot take an action based on the report. The Committee will simply
take the report, and then at the third meeting they can take an action. Once
action is taken, the permitted interaction group is essentially finished.
Committee Chair, Julia Althoff asked if the Autism or Neurodivergent Initiative
should be kept as an Initiative, or instead be focusing on the subject matter as
housing, jobs, transportation, and emergency response.
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MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES
Friday, October 13, 2023
Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff expressed having the Autism or
Neorodivergent Initiative is about the specific needs this community has,
which may also overlap with other disabilities.
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi asked for a motion to recharacterize the Autism
Initiative to Neorodivergent Initiative.
Committee member, Zahava Zaidoff withdrew the motion to change name of
the Autism Initiative to Neurodivergent Initiative.
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi will add to the next Committee agenda, the discussion
of if the Committee will continue with the Initiatives, or if the Committee will
refocus themselves to address issues in the community.
Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula explained that the language is
by vector "issues", so the question is whether the Committee will address by
disability or by vector.
Committee Chair, Zahava Zaidoff explained that at the last meeting, for the
Annual Mayor's Report, the Committee would discuss at this meeting the
reports that came in. Committee Chair, Zahava Zaidoff expressed concern
about the lack of time in waiting until the next meeting to make a decision
about whether the Committee is creating initiatives by vector or by disability.
Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula explained that with Agenda
Item #9 ANNUAL REPORT TO MAYOR ROTH: DISCUSSION, the
Committee has the capacity to discuss and finalize the report before the next
meeting with all that has been distributed, from what was provided by the
Committee Members.
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi explained that the Committee's responsibility is to
submit an Annual Report to the Mayor explaining what the Committee has
been doing and what the Committee is focusing on.
8. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE: REVIEW, DISCUSSION
Motion made by Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff to table PROGRAM
OBJECTIVE: REVIEW, DISCUSSION. Committee Member, ReBecca
Bennett seconded. No discussion. (5 ayes, 0 nays)
9. ANNUAL REPORT TO MAYOR ROTH: DISCUSSION
Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula explained that all Committee
Members have gotten an unedited copy of the reports, which had been
submitted by the Committee Members. With those reports, the Committee
can decide how to proceed with finalizing the Annual Report to the Mayor,
which is due in December.
Motion made by Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff to allow Committee
Members to discuss what the Committee has submitted and what the
Committee wants to do moving forward with the Annual Report to the Mayor.
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MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES
Friday, October 13, 2023
Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff requested that the word mental be
added to the bottom of page 1, on the Committee Members report of
employment effort.
Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula asked if one Committee
Member would volunteer to take the compilation of reports provide by the
Committee Members, and standardize the report with a cover letter to the
Mayor.
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi volunteered to format the compilation of reports
provide by the Committee Members, and standardize the report with a cover
letter to the Mayor.
Motion made by Committee Member, Zahava Zaidoff to amend the earlier
motion to accept the reports that have come in from the Committee Members,
so the final draft can be voted on at the next meeting. The caveat of the
motion is that nonsubstantive changes may be made by Chair Hiraishi.
Committee Member, ReBecca Bennett seconded. (5 ayes, 0 nays)
10. LOGISTICS ON COFFEE WITH A COP EVENT
EO Officer/ADA Coordinator, Ryan Caday reached out to Police Chief
Moszkowicz about the Coffee with a Cop Event, and Chief Moszkowicz asked
which side of the island the Committee would like the event on and the time
frame.
Committee Member, ReBecca Bennett suggested having the Coffee with a
Cop Event in Hilo in February, and Kona in May.
11.ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi explained that on Wednesday, October 25, 2023
there is a 9t" Annual East Hawaii Legislative Forum at Aunty Sally's Luau
Hale from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Committee Member, Julia Althoff explained that on Thursday, October 19,
2023 the will be the West Hawaii Legislative Forum at the Old Airport from
3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Chair, Michelle Hiraishi discussed the planned agenda items for the next
meeting:
Forming a subcommittee for by-law review
Presentation by Corporation Counsel regarding establishing a PIG
A discussion of the Committees approach to what the Committee will be
doing for the remainder of this calendar and next calendar year as far as by
vector or by disability
Final Draft Review of the Annual Report to the Mayor
12. ADJOURNMENT
Committee Member, Sandra Schuffler made a motion to adjourn. Committee
Member, ReBecca Bennett seconded the motion. (5 ayes, 0 nays) Chair,
Michelle Hiraishi adjourned the meeting at 1:51 PM.
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