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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-16 Committee on People with Disabilities Minutes COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Aging & Disability Resource Center 1055 Kinoole Street, Training Room Hilo, Hawaii 96720 PRESENT: Laura Tobosa, Jeani Navarro, James Dias Souza, Dr. Ron Wager-Wright with guide dog McGarret, Paige De Lima, Wesley Tanigawa, Paige De Lima EXCUSED: Jesslie Hook, Dareth PungBoteilho ABSENT: Teri Spinola-Campbell, Howard Marks, Deidre Sumic, Elwood Kita NOT PRESENT Edeltraud Hanoa, Tara Trujllio OTHERS PRESENT AND GUEST(S): Alisa Mitchener, Recreation Specialist  Dept. of Parks & Recreation; Ku Mei Kern, Interpreter; Renee Schoen, Attorney  Corporation Counsel; Ku Mei Kern, Interpreter; Alan Parker, Executive on Aging  Hawaii County Office of Aging; Luana Ancheta-Kauwe, I&A Clerk  Hawaii County Office of Aging; and Janice Mancini, Guest I. INTRODUCTIONS Renee Schoen is an Attorney with the Corporation Counsel and has been with the C four years. The primary department that she represents is the Department of Parks and Recreation. She also represents four or five other boards such as the Board of Ethics, the Board of Appeals, the Veterans Advisory Committee. II. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 10:18 a.m. Committee members,guest were introduced. III. APPROVAL OF THE LAST MINUTES Paige De Lima called a motion to approve the Minutes of the last meeting: Laura Tobosa made a motion to approve the minutes. Seconded it by Wesley Tanigawa. IV. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ISSUES There were no statements from the public on agenda items. Jeani Navarro commented that on the last minutes, on New Business on Establishment on the Adhoc Committee, in our minutes we agreed to open an Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 2 appointed committee member. P. De Lima asked if she can appoint . . . Renee Schoen explained that it is fine to do that when you get to the New Business, item B; it is fine to discuss it at that time. Alisa Mitchener commented that she would like everyone to say their names before they speak and that helps with transcribing and with communicati Alisa Mitchener mentioned that there were three items discussed that did not appear on the Agenda for today; She suggested that the Committee create a section entitled, New Business on the Agenda and another way unfinished business. The three items were: 1) updating the County Code to create better access to County offices, and having visible codes; 2) the Licensing of Dogs and I.D. Assistance Dogs; and 3) changing the County code to reflect person first language. A. Mitchener asked if we could do this next time or can we do this now, do we have to stay on todays Agenda? R. Schoen explains that yes, we have to stay on the Agenda. R. Schoen sug may want to discuss if there are items on the Agenda that people De Lima approves them and discuss it with R. Schoen and incorpor A. Mitchener commented that in creating an Agenda, the Committee can look back on the things that were bought up under New Business, and continue items that need to be carried over to the next meeting. P. De Lima commented that everyone should have input on what to put on the Agenda. When Alan corresponds, P. De Lima asked if Alan sends out the pr Mitchener intervenes that the committee can work on it, and just wanted to clarify how things come to the meeting, and we cannot just discuss and vote on the Agenda. There must be public notice in order for the Comm. Alisa Mitchener comments on having some items that plug into the busin Adhoc team. Requesting that statements on the public if she could participate in the discussion when the committees come up and P. De Lima and R. Scheon both agreed. A. Mitchener continued to say that updating the County Code for access in the home, second one is licensing dog and the third one is changing the Co Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 3 person first language because there are still pieces in the Coun like handicap that almost insult at this point. If we updated our language, we would update our thinking and we would update our actions. A. Parker comments such as intellectual disability. Yes per A. Mitchener. A lot like that a nationwide movement to remove the word retardation that has been called the R word that is considered demeaning. It is a national trend to sta and to use different words. V.CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence received from DCAB, dated February 2011. P. De Lima motion to accept, L. Tobosa and W. Tanigawa, seconded. VI.NEW BUSINESS A.Establish bi-monthly meeting dates The Chair asked the Committee what they felt about meeting every second Wednesday or every third Wednesday so that anybody in the public would kno routine and we would be more accessible. W. Tanigawa confirmed that he did look into it. P. De Lima commented we can vote on the third Wednesday. Lets open for discussion. (Dr. Ron Wagner-Wright and guide dog McGarret enters into the Training Room for the meeting.) Dr. Ron apologized for going to the wrong place. P. De Lima mentioned to Dr. Ron that we have a guest here and asked if ever themselves. Alisa Mitchener, Department of Parks and Recreation; Dr. Ron Wagner- Wright (with McGarret) and is the President of the newly found Hawaii Five-O and will be training in Hilo service dogs for any disabled person on this island free of char Ron mention about an article in the newspaper about a young man, Muscular Dystrophy, and he only has two years left to live. In the two years he has he had a service dog at 12 years old and got out and killed some to be put away. This is why McGarret is the number one on the list. Dr. Ron m that they partnered with the Humane Society. They provide the dogs. Last year there were 15,000 dogs on this island. They are providing the dogs and the 35 trained volunteers and they are training these dogs. In Martins case, Dr. Ron went to the Rotary and they are paying the $200.00 to the Humane Society for the medical, shots, spade and food for the dog. Dr. Ron also mentioned that they can provide it for Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 4 free. Dr. Ron mentioned that if any disabled person wants to have a dog, please let him know. They will provide them for free. The committee members continued to introduce themselves: Jeani N, Arc of Kona; James Souza (Ku Mei Kern spoke for James), Janice Mancini (Guest); Wes Tanigawa, Arc of Hilo; Renee Schoen, Attorney with the Corporation Counsel; Luana with Office of Aging; Alan Parker, Office of Aging; and Laura Tobosa. After a lengthy discussion in establishing every third Wednesdayfor the Committee on People with Disabilities meeting. P. De Lima asked all those in favo hand. All those oppose? None. Motion passed. B.Establishing of Adhoc Team Previous committee teams were: Education, Public Awareness, Recreation, Transportation, Emergency Preparedness, Employment and ADA Day. P. De Lima said that she would like to be a part of and have the Education Awareness committees start next month. A. Mitchener and Dr. Ron agreed. R. Schoen suggested that the Committee establish five (5) Adhoc Committees that they feel are important and to see who wants to be on each committee and what the scope will be. A. Mitchener commented that one committee member has to be the Chairman. Members from the public cannot lead the Adhoc Committee so at least one Committee member must be on each committee, and hopefully we would be able to man all the committees. P. De Lima mentioned Edeltraud Hanoa is not here. W. Tanigawa ment Hook and Dareth Pung-Boteilho have not been sworn in. A. Parker mentioned that P. De Lima spoke to A. Parker about adding members to the committee. Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 5 A. Parker suggested that the committee start with a couple of Adhoc teams. As we get more members then we can branch out. A. Mitchener agrees having a good start rather than spreading ourselves too thin. Dr. Ron feels it is a fabulous idea and would like to propose th Adhoc committees are Education, thats number one and Transportation. Those are the two Dr. Ron would like to concentrate on and if anybody would li or fourth let it be known. P. De Lima mentioned that Education and Public Awareness are important Adhoc committees. P. De Lima mentioned the next one is Recreation and asked if anyone is interested. Tanigawa and Janice Mancini (Guest) mentioned that they are interested. J. Dias Souza (Ku Mei, Interpreter) suggest Employment. Thats my baby and we cannot work if we dont have Transportation. We talk story about it for a long time and nothing has happened for our folks. Dr. Ron suggested we go around the room. P. De Lima agrees. J. Dias Souza (Ku Mei, Interpreter). A well, first I have to say s interpreters. We have only three or four on the island at this time. P. De L she can interject. If these meetings meet every other month, would that be okay with J. Dias Souza and get an interpreter? J. Navarro suggested to J. Dias Souza that perhaps he can get on chat room and need to be live on line. Discussion followed on how James could possibly be more involved work. Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 6 J. Dias Souza (Ku Mei, Interpreter) comments that he knows that he can contact video conference room where there is no interpreter in the room and he person on the screen. A. Mitchener asked it is a video relay? P. De Lima comments that there should be no limitations of what can is a committee that you want to be on, please contact me. J. Navarro comments that she and J. Dias Souza are from Honokaa, th System that we can have an interpreter do video conferencing. P. De Lima comments that J. Dias Souza has the right to an interpreter. R. Schoen explains that usually when a committee sets up an Adhoc C committee can have people from the public or people who are inte but for now you should set up the main team from this board and Janice Mancini can apply for committee membership. The main point is that each subcommittee should not have more members from the entire board that would make up a board a quorm is five (5). Your subcommittee can only consist of four (4) committee members or less and whomever else you want from the public. C. ADA Day July 26, 2011, to include as Ad hoc team (Discussion on W. Tanigawa wants to participate in the ADA Day and Recreation. ADA represents American With Disabilities Act and their anniversary is on Tuesday, July 26, 2011. One of the intentions was to coordinate it with the ADRC Open House, and have an open house activity and the ADA Recognition Day. Further content would be discussed when the committee gets together. L. Tobosa wants to participate in the Transportation. Dr. Ron would like to Chair the Transportation Committee because he is also on the State Department of Transportation board. They are now making a the State transportation. Also Dr. Ron would like to be on the Educ Committee. Dr. Ron mentioned that he as two talents. One is spea Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 7 and the other is ADA Law. Dr. Ron would like to be on the Education and Tr Committee. Dr. Ron comments that Able Artist Hawaii has been celebrating ADA Day for several years. Two years ago, Teri Spinola-Campbell gave the key note speech, and Dr. Ron gave the key note speech at the Prince Kuhio Mall last year. The contact person is Mar Ortaleza of Able Artist Hawaii of Pahoa. J. Navarro has contact number. Alisa Mitchener comments that she wouldnt mind that instead of ADA day by this committee that we attach on to something that had been listed for a while until the committee had been settled because we only have a coup the last meeting, it was suggested that we have ADA beach day al st would be challenging. However, July 21which is the Thursday before the anniversary of the signing of the ADA Day there is likely to be a beach access day at Richardsons. So there could have smaller events for the whole week or attaching show that the Mayors Committee is interested in ADA Day instead of trying to co- sponsor or sponsor an entire event on our own. Maybe next year, bigger scale. It would cost a lot of money to do things like this. Do you want to spend your money on one big boom on ADA Day or would you rather spend your money on education awareness which could tie in with ADA Day as a public education to do a special or wanting a huge event. It could be as simple as a bal block with all of the abilities and end up in a common area for inspiration; it only h th been 21 years. A. Mitchener walked in a parade at the State Capitol on the 10 Anniversary. Thats all it was. It was a parade around the Capi and everybody went through an arch array of balloons as a threshol everybody had a chance to say something and that was it. Everyone had refreshments. Trying to organize an island-wide beach event is challenging because you are dealing with water and water safety. If you want to do that A. Mitchene help because she already has it reserved in Hilo. We could tag on for attend the Disabled Artist Day at the Mall. It is up for discussion because we just started. These are the ideas that A. Mitchener has been thinking a asked by P. De Lima, if you have something like that going on at make it so that we can participate and back you up and be there for you.ner Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 8 said yes. She just got part of the schedule approved and can sh Committees meet then will report back in the meeting here with a committees here might consider creating a video with kids with access and a awareness. Public Broadcasting TV, PBS has a new statewide stud kids and it is the kids that produce the news, the video network. It is called Hiki Nou in Hawaiian which means can do and their first news cast will be on Fe 2011. It is a collaboration of schools and kids producing the ne may tie in with working with kids on the ADA Day news clip, and can come with Public Education or it could come under anything. A. Mitchener has snorkel day coming up for recreation in Kahaluu. W snorkel day season coming up in Kona and it is co-sponsored with the University and the kids that volunteer (kids who are 25 years old) who create swim buddies, and they go out and one on one water participation in the water at Kahuluu. That is scheduled. A. Mitchener also is working on finalizing the regular beach access Beach in Hilo. A report will be given at the next meeting once the schedule is final. However, it has not gotten its final approval yet. Dr. Ron proposed establishment of the committees, and may suggest that we make a proposition and vote on the Adhoc Committees. P. De Lima asked for a motion to establish these Adhoc Committees? W. Tanigawa intervened that w the committees yet. R. Schoen thought that other committees could be established later on as you get more members. Sounds like you have the five committees. Dr. Ron proposed that we accept the creation of five Adhoc Committees which will on Education and Public Awareness, Employment, Transportation, ADA Day and Recreation and the membership. The Chairperson of Education will be P. De Lima. The members of the committee will be Paige and Dr. Ron, Laura Tobosa, James Dias Souza, and Wesley Tanigawa. On Employment the Chairperson is Jeani Nav member is James Dias Souza. On Recreation, Chairperson is Wesley committee members are Janice Mancini and Alisa Mitchener. On Tr is Dr. Ron and Laura Tobosa. R Schoen mentioned ADA Day by Wesl Lima asked do we have a motion, J. Navarro seconded. All those in favor pl your hands, all those oppose, none. The vote is unanimous. Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 9 J. Navarro reported that last night the Honokaa Business Association hosted Director, Dwight Takamine, and was a well known Senator for many years and has accepted a new position in the Abercrombies Administration and now is the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations. He admits that he knows absolutely nothin able to put into place over the years about persons with disabil employment looks like. And last night when he spoke to the commu community asks questions for obvious reasons, it was really clea State is at all level with all their Adhoc Committees working tor to open doors to actually have employment; and its not that we need more monies statements forward. We need to change minds of who we are and w how easy it is to allow access. This is really important in timty level when our Mayor to the State level and do a full state cost, the econo need to be creative. When we have facts is it easy. But when i and this is our opportunity to really to make a difference. P. De Lima mentioned that the Adhoc Committees need to establish me times so that we all can participate. Dr. Ron wanted to propose Committees establish the meeting dates, what time, where and wha R. Schoen explains that if you have all of this committee go to an Adhoc Commit then you have to provide a Notice to the Public that the Adhoc C otherwise you will have Sunshine Law issues. Adhoc Committees are really smaller committees of a big committee that reports back on what they do. Dont want to discourage the committee from going and participating but this i need to watch. You cannot have more than four (4) people in attendance at a Adhoc Committee meeting. Dr. Ron expressed that he just wanted to make it all available to all th members. The dates of the Adhoc Committee meetings. For example checks the meeting schedule and see that there is a meeting on T Schoen thinks it is fine and everyone can know the dates. Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 10 P. De Lima asked the public, it doesnt matter how many come to the Schoen confirms it doesnt matter how many and you dont have to Because it is a smaller group meeting, you dont have to tell th Dr. Ron wish to make a proposition that the dates of the Adhoc C circulated to all the members just to keep them informed. P. De Lima made a motion to move, W. Tanigawa seconded it. P. De Li those in favor please raise your hand. All those who are not in R. Schoen suggested that for the next meeting that the Adhoc Commit together and decide on meeting dates. P. De Lima announced that the next meeting date is April 20, 2011. announced for her next meeting on March 16, 2011. C.Discussion on service dogs in training access to county facilities Dr. Ron reports that the ADA has new regulations dated July 27, 201 specific because there are too many people getting away by bring spiders, snakes, and others. The ADA has a big meeting and lots they actually changed the law (if you want a copy, let Dr. Ron know). Only registered disabled people can have a service dog. They have to be trained disabled person. You cannot have any other animal but a dog. T-O Service Dog Training School announced 35 training service dogs to the ADA regulations. The dog will not make a mess, not beg or any other gestures. The status. The individual must have permission to bring a trainee d is asking the committee to lobby the Mayor and write a letter to the Mayor to permit dogs in training to come on the Hawaii County property, parks, b-On Bus. If we dont, then legally we are not able to bring the dog public transportation. A. Mitchener expressed that right now service dogs in training are ADA, only service dogs. Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 11 Alan Parker stated that his long experience in government tells departments may baulk at having all county facilities open to training activities. approach might be to have specific facilities identified as poss example, arrangements could probably be arranged to have training for entering and assessing buses be conducted at the base yard so as not to inter operations which may cause delays or uneasiness on the part of p R. Schoen asked if there are any other non-profit or for profit organization that may certify? Per Dr. Ron acknowledge not here in Hawaii. A. Mitchen one on Maui. R. Schoen asked is it necessary under the new ADA to be sole certified? Dr. Ron commented as yes because if it is like McGarret, he is certified but not by a service dog school. The difference someone who trains their own dog to perform a service for disabi training their dog are not certified trainer. Dr. Ron agreed with A. Parker but is not asking the freedom to just walk everywhere. Dr. Ron expressed that he can go into any facility. However, fo designated are. A. Mitchener agrees that she likes the idea in getting the Mayors have it passed on to the departments where perhaps it could go d Department of Parks & Recreation Administrator. Although there i Allowed policy, as long as the person has formal documentation. the dog will have a tag that says Service Dog in Training and identification showing that the person is a National Certified T P. De Lima wants to make a motion for Dr. Ron and Alisa Mitchener t for this committee. R. Schoen agrees that is a good idea and Ala real and want to get together with Dr. Ron and Alisa. Suggest start small like Department of Parks & Recreation. A. Mitchener comments that it start since people already take their pets and if we want to enforce it so that your dog doesnt come in contact with your dog, A. Mitchener needs to hav understand how they can enforce it and what it is they need to a Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 12 admit a dog in training but not admit other dogs. R. Schoen expr this down for Unfinished Business for the next time. Break at 11:37 a.m. Resume meeting at 11:50 a.m. Discussion followed on the committees budget. A Mitchener explains that in the past, there was a treasurer for Executive Committee which consists of the Chair, Vice Chair and and they actually created the budget and put in a request. Therwas a Treasurers Report. The report was simple and noted where the monies were sp she will be working on the budget. VIII. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON AGENDA ISSUES J. Navarro asked if we are going to alternate meetings sites. P. De Lima questioned if we are going to do a video conference from Parker explains on the issue on video conferencing, the County d capability in all areas. We are using one of our federal grants to enable video conferencing here at the ADRC and the problem is the telephone company does n have the capability and the lines. We are still working on the about member(s) coming from the Kona side? P. De Lima mentioned comes from Kona and Dareth Pung-Boteilho comes from Honokaa. P. De Lima wants to do an investigation of the video conferencing. W. Tanigawa suggest to propose scheduling a meeting in Kona after J Day events, there will be a lot of activities going on here and after that planning to do outreach meeting in Kona? A. Mitchener sent a checklist for meetings and if anyone wants to a let Alisa know. Will send the checklist to Luana. Also want to Committee on People with Disabilities February 16, 2011 Page 13 Fitzgerald to approve the Mobi Mat Season at Richardsons Beach i assistance and support on how important it is to the community. Thursday at Richardsons Beach starting Mid-May through the end of September, itll be just giving volunteers to roll Mobi Mats out to the beach and ma acceptable for everyone. R. Schoen asked if A. Mitchener have an organization as you did bef the mats? A. Mitchener is in the process of sending it out to th has since changed their name. Found out that they are not going like last year. So A. Mitchener will have to do it from scratch that A. Mitchener draft the letter for the committees review. P. De Lima move tha letter be drafted for committees review. L. Tobosa second it. Janice Mancini (Guest) commented that it wouldnt take much to m accessible to go there independently. It is dangerous to be by was helpful and the helpers were a great help. Alan Parker commented that the committee could have a meeting on the West side because our new County facility is operational. A. Parker went sited our new office and everything is ADA accessible and its a great fac of the year we can go out there and A. Parker can talk to Tom Br transportation to Kona. IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Set the Date, Time and Place of the Next Meeting X. ADJOURNMENT Meeting Adjourned: 12:01 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,