HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 7, 2026 Minutes
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MAY 7, 2026, AT 11:30 A.M.
BUILDING, PUEO CONFERENCE ROOM
25 AUPUNI STREET, SUITE 2601
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Parks called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m.
ATTENDANCE
Present: Kaycie Lynn Parks, Chair
Skye Narvaez , Vice Chair (Via Zoom)
Casey-Leigh Sabate Hauanio
Shylalyn Gacusana, Secretary
Cristina Holt
Also present: Micah Alameda
Keyra Wong Deputy Corporation Counsel
Office of Aging (Via Zoom)
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
a. Three members of the public gave testimony:
Leland Brady attended as an observer.
Jobette Nabarro followed up on previous discussions about increased
opportunities for children and adults with disabilities at the zoo.
Toby Hazel, an elderly resident, described difficulties with bathroom accessibility
and a lack of handrails in public facilities and parks, and expressed frustration
with the ADA coordinator, requesting guidance on filing a complaint.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Approval of the meeting minutes of February 2, 2026.
Chair Parks called for public testimony. There being no public testimony, the meeting
continued as follows.
Action: Chair Parks called for this item to be deferred until the next meeting.
BUSINESS
a. Member Reports and Updates:
Vice Chair Sky Narvaez reported that individuals who applied to join the
committee did not receive responses, including a deaf or hard-of-hearing
applicant.
Concerns were raised about bullying of youth with disabilities in schools,
including a recent incident involving a student with autism.
Suggestions were made for a summer resource fair and recurring events focused
on celebrating abilities.
May 7, 2026
The need for wheelchair-accessible playground equipment and improved park
facilities for children and adults with disabilities was highlighted, including a
shared email from a mother advocating for such improvements.
students in schools.
b.
Ongoing topic regarding accessibility and fee structures. Early entry programs
were discussed as a positive example. The absence of a Parks and Recreation
Department representative was noted.
The committee considered inviting zoo staff to future meetings.
Sunshine Law limitations on communication between meetings were reviewed,
and the mechanism of Permitted Interaction Groups (PIGs) was explained for in-
depth work between meetings.
c. Discussion on installation of handrails at County parks and bathrooms for people with
disabilities:
The General Plan 2045 directs parks and recreation to accommodate people with
disabilities. There is an opportunity to submit amendments or suggestions to the
plan before its final adoption by the county council.
Members discussed the process for submitting input and the challenges in
navigating the dense General Plan document.
d.
2026 Session.
Four state bills relating to people with disabilities are heading to the governor,
including:
Extension of the discrimination complaint filing window.
Deaf/hard-of-hearing vehicle registration designation.
Digital accessibility requirements for public-facing businesses.
Protection for people with developmental disabilities seeking community
care.
Two resolutions were passed:
One to study healthcare communication with the deaf/hard-of-
hearing/Deafblind.
One to review how anti-discrimination laws apply to AI/automated
decision systems.
Several bills did not pass, including a right-to-repair for wheelchairs, creation of
an ASL interpreter program, and improved evacuation planning for people with
disabilities.
State Budget Impacts:
Funding for developmental disabilities was reduced, but key positions
remain.
Special education support services faced cuts, particularly for outer island
providers.
The Arc of Hilo received a capital grant for facility renovations.
DOE received funds for ADA compliance in school facilities.
General Plan and County Initiatives:
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May 7, 2026
years, including mobility and housing for people with disabilities, universal
design for new developments, and establishing resource centers.
Areas lacking in the plan include disability-inclusive emergency
evacuation planning.
The committee discussed how to advocate for stronger disability priorities
before final adoption.
Emergency Management:
Testimony described failures in past evacuations for people with
disabilities. Members discussed how HB 1997 (which would have funded
evacuation plans) did not pass, but HB2443 (establishing a disability
integration specialist at HIEMA) was enacted.
The need to ensure rural and neighbor island needs are addressed in
emergency planning was emphasized.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Next Meeting:
Monday, June 1, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Kaycie Lynn Parks adjourned the meeting at 12:29 p.m.
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