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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014_0318 MACFEA_Agenda_Packet CANCELLEDCOUNTY OF KAUAI MAYOR'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR EQUAL ACCESS NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA Tuesday, March 18, 2014 12:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter Mo`ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/2B 4444 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766 MACFEA'S MISSION IS TO ASSIST THE COUNTY OF KA IN ITS COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL, STATE MANDATING EQUAL ACCESS CALL TO ORDER INTRODUCTION OF MACFEA MEMBERS AND STAFF APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Regular Open Session Minutes of January 21, 2014 BUSINESS • Discussion with a representative of the Red Cross, Department of Health Preparedness Planning, or Civil Defense on Emergency Preparedness REPORTS DCAB report for February and March 2014 ADA Coordinator's report Updates / Announcements NEXT MEETING Tuesday, May 20, 2014 — 12:30 p.m., Mo`ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A /2B ADJOURNMENT cc: Marc Guyot, Deputy County Attorney PUBLIC COMMENTS AND TESTIMONY Persons wishing to offer comments are encouraged to submit written testimony at least 24 -hours prior to the meeting indicating: 1. Your names and contact information, position/title and organization you are represen A (if applicable); 2. The agenda item that you are providing comments on; and 3. Whether you will be testifying in person or submitting written comments only. 4. If you are unable to submit your testimony at least 24 -hours prior to the meeting, please provide 10 copies of your written testimony at the meeting. 1% While every effort will be made to copy, organize, and collate all testimony received, materials received on the day of the meeting or improperly identified may be distributed to the members after the meeting is concluded. The length of time allocated to persons wishing to present verbal testimony may be limited at the discretion of the chaimerson or nresiding, member_ Send written testimony MACFEA Attn: Cherisse Zaima Office of Boards and Commissions_ 4444 Rice Street, Suite 150 Lihue, HI 96766 e -mail: czaima&kauai.gov Phone: 241 -4881 Fax: 241 -5127 LI If you need an alternate format or auxiliary aid to participate, please contact Linda Nuland -Ames at 241 -4924 (V /TRS) at least (5) working days prior to the meeting. Meeting Minutes — DRAFT Mayor's Advisory Committee For Equal Access (MACFEA) Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Mo`ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A -2B 4444 Rice Street, Lihu`e, HI 96766 Members Present: Rita Manriquez — State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory (STBIAB); Dr. Lucy Miller (1 :07 p.m.) — DCAB (Disability and Communicatic Board) Board Member; Kathy English — Hawai`i Disability Rights Center; Ell Easter Seals Hawaii; r-1 Doi — Kaua'i Developmental Disability Council; Robef Ld cIueri, Consumer; Suzie Woolway — `Ohana Home Health Care; Kathy Sheffield — National Alliance on Mental Illness Members Excused: Elena Costales, Consumer, HCIL — Kaua`i Volunteer; Betty Bell — Kaua'i Federation for the Blind; Keri Russell — American Red Cross Staff members also present: Linda Nuland -Ames — ADA /EEOC Coordinator; Cherisse Zaima — Commission Support Clerk; Marc Guyot — Deputy County Attorney; Tamar Lani — remote ASL interpreter CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta Eiben called the meeting to order at 12:40 p.m. with 7 members present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Regular Open Session Minutes of November 19, 2013 Action: Ms. Ching moved to approve the minutes as circulated. Ms. English seconded the motion. Motion carried 7:0. BUSINESS • Vice Chair for 2014 Action: Ms. Woolway moved to volunteer for the position of Vice Chair for 2014. Ms. Ching seconded the motion. Motion carried 7:0. • Subcommittee on Increasing Emergency Preparedness 1. Selection of members 2. Outline scope of work • Subcommittee on Increasing Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the County 1. Selection of members 2. Outline scope of work Ms. Manriquez stated she thought the subcommittee had already been made, and Ms. Ching stated a bunch of people had volunteered at the last meeting. Ms. Ching asked whether the subcommittee must be made of MACFEA Committee members or if other people can be members. Staff explained that the subcommittees must consist of current MACFEA members, but they can consult /collaborate with other agencies and organizations. Ms. Manriquez stated it is the American Red Cross' responsibility to inform and educate the public about emergency preparedness, and asked if the subcommittee could hold off until Ms. Russell can participate in the discussion as it is her kuleana. Ms. Manriquez noted that the minutes reflect the subcommittee would be taking over that area, and she recalls several members wanting to create their own subcommittee to discuss having care homes and other people in the community have their own setup situation. Ms. Manriquez reminded the Committee that the American Red Cross encourages people to shelter at home. Action: Ms. Ching moved to defer this item to the next meeting. Ms. Woolway seconded the motion. Ms. Nuland -Ames stated Keri Russell is a member of MACFEA, though she has been unable to attend meetings due to her busy schedule. Ms. Nuland -Ames expressed her appreciation for Ms. Manriquez's explanation, but pointed out that should people be injured from lack of assistance during an emergency, the State and County would be liable, not the American Red Cross. She stated that the County has a right to speak out about their concerns. They know their populations better than many of the people involved in the Red Cross because they have day -to -day hands on involvement with people with various challenges, and are more likely to be able to reach those populations. Ms. Woolway asked if Ms. Nuland -Ames is willing to volunteer to be on the subcommittee as a representative of the County. Ms. Nuland -Ames replied that due to her County position, she in unable to be a member of the subcommittee; however, she will certainly attend every meeting. Ms. Woolway mentioned a meeting with Kauai Medical Reserve Corps (KMRC), stating her interest in incorporating them, and requested that each member come up with one name for possible collaboration. Ms. Manriquez provided an overview of the services KMRC provides, and suggested they be invited to one of the Committee meetings to talk about that process. Ms. Woolway agreed, and stated she would contact them. Ms. Eiben asked Ms. Manriquez if the Red Cross needs more nurses, and stated that her sister is a registered nurse. Deputy County Attorney Guyot reminded the Commission that the motion currently on the floor is whether to defer the item on subcommittees to the next meeting, and asked the Committee to keep the discussion related to the motion. MACFEA — January 21, 2014 2 Ms. Ching asked Ms. Nuland -Ames whether she had suggestions about how the Committee might move forward to prevent this item from being put on hold for another two months. However, without any volunteers, she does not feel there is room to move forward. Ms. Nuland -Ames agreed that she would not like to see this put on hold any longer, and suggested a subcommittee draw up what the concerns and resources are in the community, and what the lines of the chains of command are. She does not feel that MACFEA's subcommittees is stepping on anyone's toes as they would not be directing anyone, and noted the importance of locating people who the outreach efforts are not getting to. Ms. Nuland -Ames commented on the miscommunication with both the community members, as well as our emergency response people. There are ,& numerous issues to look at, and she feels if the subcommittee can define those issues better, other organizations can come in and have discussions with them. Ms. Ching asked for volunteers for the subcommittee on Increasing Emergency Preparedness. Ms. Woolway volunteered, as well as Ms. Sheffield. Action: Ms. Ching withdrew her previous motion. Ms. Doi seconded the withdrawal. Motion carried 7:0. Ms. Doi asked whether they will be moving forward with the subcommittee, and how they will proceed. Mr. Guyot noted that they are missing four members, who are the only hope in creating the subcommittee since no one else has volunteered; they are unable to proceed at this meeting without a third member of the subcommittee. Ms. Woolway asked if she could have a list of the MACFEA members' emails so that she can keep Committee members informed about information she receives on subcommittee issues. Ms. Ching asked for clarification on the number of subcommittee members to which Mr. Guyot replied they must have at least three to enable majority recommendations. There was discussion on whether or not they could appoint or designate someone to be on the subcommittee just to move forward, and if that person does not wish to participate, they can ask for another volunteer. Mr. Guyot stated no, but suggested a member could volunteer now in order to form the committee, and should someone else volunteer, they can take that person's place. Ms. Woolway noted she had faith that they would get a third person, and moved to create the committee with two people as she would rather have someone who wants to be a part of it rather than someone who has been voted in because they were absent. She also feels having just two people on the subcommittee would work as long as they have guests or consultants participating. Mr. Guyot reiterated that they need three people to start. Ms. Woolway moved to appoint Dr. Lucy Miller to the subcommittee, stating that if she does not want to do it, they will ask for volunteers at the next meeting. Ms. Ching suggested appointing Ms. Russell for now so they can move forward, and if she cannot participate, they can ask someone else. Ms. Woolway moved to appoint Keri Russell to the subcommittee. Ms. Ching added that her thought was for this subcommittee to consist of Betty Bell, Keri Russell, and Dr. Lucy Miller. MACFEA — January 21, 2014 (Dr. Lucy entered the meeting at 1:07 p.m.) Ms. Woolway provided Dr. Lucy with a recap of the recent discussion on subcommittees. Dr. Lucy agreed to volunteer for the subcommittee. Action: Ms. Woolway moved to accept Suzie Woolway, Kathy Sheffield, and Dr. Lucy Miller, and tentatively appoint Keri Russell to the subcommittee on Increasing Emergency Preparedness. Ms. Ching seconded the motion. Motion carried 8:0. Ms. Manriquez stated she would be seeing Ms. Russell, and stated she would inform her of her nomination. Ms. Woolway asked Mr. Guyot to provide an explanation of the rules for emailing and communications between members because she would like to be able to forward information to the rest of the members. Mr. Guyot stated that communication between subcommittee members is fairly unlimited, and once they agree on recommendations, that will be presented to the group as a whole for discussion and adoption. He further explained that for communication among the regular Committee members, it is allowed as long as they are not trying to solicit votes, or put forth a specific, personal point of view to other members in an attempt to secure commitments. He stated the example of discussion of what to include on the agenda would not be a problem, whereas discussion on whether to vote on a particular item becomes problematic. Staff provided information on the upcoming Boards and Commissions training sessions, and informed them that Sunshine Law Training is no longer offered by the Department; however, there is online training available at the OIP website. (Flyers for the training sessions were previously distributed.) Ms. Manriquez suggested the subcommittee ask Keri Russell to come to a meeting, and give an emergency preparedness presentation. That way, everyone can ask her questions. Mr. Guyot advised Boards and Commissions to include an item on the next agenda for Discussion with Keri Russell on Emergency Preparedness. • Subcommittee on Increasing Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the County 1. Selection of members 2. Outline scope of work Ms. Ching, Ms. Doi, and Ms. English volunteered to be on the subcommittee. Ms. Ching noted the scope of work is already outlined in the goal, and is satisfied with that. Action: Ms. Sheffield moved to accept Ellen Ching, El Doi, and Kathy English for the subcommittee on Increasing Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the County. Ms. Woolway seconded the motion. Motion carried 8:0. MACFEA — January 21, 2014 4 Ms. Ching asked for the link for the Sunshine Law to be emailed to her, as well as a list of all members' email addresses. Mr. Guyot advised the Office of Boards and Commissions to send out the email list, and informed the Committee that the information on the Sunshine Law is on the State of Hawai`i's Off Practices website, and have a variety of formats in which the inf REPORTS • DCAB - DCAB report for December Dr. Lucy noted that everyone has received a copy of the report, and that she will be happy to answer any questions. • ADA IVF Ms. Nuland -Ames reported on the following: - Agency on Elderly Affairs' Aging and Disability Resource Center - Boards and Commissions 2014 Training Seminars - Medical Reserves returning to Kauai on June 14 (for ten days) to provide free dental and vision care to anyone who shows up Ms. Ching asked for clarification on the Agency on Elderly Affairs' Aging and Disability Resource Center, asking what kind of services and resources they are providing for people with disabilities. Ms. Nuland -Ames stated what they are doing for adults with disabilities is to help them find resources they are entitled to receive, and other programs that may benefit them. Ms. Ching asked if they had a brochure to which Ms. Nuland -Ames replied yes, but it is not specific to Kauai as it is a Statewide program. She suggested the website as a better resource. Ms. Ching requested some brochures, noting it would contain information to direct someone to the website. Ms. Ching asked for a follow up on the motion made at the last meeting regarding the closed captioning issue. Ms. Nuland -Ames reported that a letter was sent to the Mayor, and will now involve the contract which is being worked on; however it will take some time. Ms. Ching asked for tentative benchmarks and timeframes on getting that done. Mr. Guyot stated he is unsure how the contract is being re- written, which will determine how long the process takes. He stated they could hope for something within 90 days, which is speculative. Ms. Ching asked who handles the contract to which Staff stated the Granicus contract is under the Office of Boards and Commissions. Ms. Ching asked whether Mr. Guyot would be amending the contract to which Mr. Guyot stated it would be the attorney assigned to Boards and Commissions; it has not come to him yet. Ms. Ching wants to be certain that it is assigned to someone, and is being worked on. Mr. Guyot noted the Boards and Commission's Administrator is aware of it. MACFEA - January 21, 2014 Ms. Eiben asked where the Medical Reserve programs will be located to which Ms. Nuland -Ames replied it will be set up at KCC in the Nursing building, at the Hanapepe Armory on the Westside, the North Shore location has not been finalized yet. Ms. Ching noted Kapa`a Middle School is usually the site for specialty or mobile clinics. Ms. Manriquez reported that a concussion study was done by the University of Hawaii who have been going around the State to determine the prevalence of concussions on each island. She provided statistics for Kauai. She noted there will be a higher instance of concussions now due to football season despite the use of helmets. The question of whether a concussion is a mild head injury has not yet been defined by the medical field. UH has been working with the coaches, and providing information to those who sign up for football. Ms. Sheffield commented that NAMI is also very aware of the brain injury component, and had professional athletes as guest speakers at the National Convention to speak about those injuries, and how they are often accompanied by depression and suicide. ANNOUNCEMENTS: IW The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 12:30 p.m., Mo'ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A /2B Adjournment: Chair Eiben announced the meeting was adjourned at 1:49 p.m. MACFEA — January 21, 2014 6 Cherisse Zaima, Support Clerk ( ) Approved as amended Respectfully submitted by: ( ) Approved as circulated MACFEA — January 21, 2014 6 Cherisse Zaima, Support Clerk ( ) Approved as amended A959 • y DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 101 • Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Ph. (808) 586 -8121 (V /TDD) • Fax (808) 586 -8129 February 2014 Report from the Disability and Communication Acces. City and County of Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Big Island M� Maui, Kauai, and Big Island Developmental Disabilities Disability Rights Hawaii Big Island State Council on Developmental Disabilities State Independent Living Council Submitted by Francine Wai, Executive Direct.,, Due to staffing shortages, we were not able to provide you with a January update. This is our first Report for 2014. SPIN Conference — April 5, 2014 The Annual Special Parent Information Network (SPIN) Conference "Hit a Home Run with SPIN" will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. — 3:30 p.m. at the UH Campus Center. SPIN has been "pitching" valuable information and giving families the opportunity to meet and network with other parents and professionals so they can build their own "field of dreams." Join SPIN with their "lineup" of workshops to include topics on positive behavioral supports, sexuality, common core standards, social skills, anti - bullying, autism spectrum disorder, transitions, and other tools for families. Registration cost is $25 per parent ($40 for two family members together) or $40 per professional. Continental breakfast and lunch are included. For more information, including information on neighbor island scholarships, contact Jan Tateishi at jan.tateishi(a�doh.hawaii.gov. 2. DCAB Conference on Accessible Desian — April 16. 2014 The Disability and Communication Access Board's (DCAB) spring design training will focus on public rights -of -way, transit oriented development, bus stops, rail platforms and stations. Our trainer will be Melissa Anderson, Transportation Engineer from the U.S. Access Board. She will be speaking to the applicable accessibility requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. The training will be held at the Ala Moana Hotel from 7:30 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. The cost is $75 for early registration (through March 28, 2014) and $90 after that date. For more information, contact Laurie Palenske at laurie .palenske(a_)doh.hawaii.gov. 3. DCAB Accessible Parkina Locator DCAB has developed an Internet -based application program to assist persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers in locating designated accessible parking spaces at various locations statewide. The intent of the Accessible Parking Locator App (APLA) is to create an online directory of accessible parking spaces. Individuals can access the app to "Find A Space" closest to their destination, or to take a photo of an accessible space to submit to the directory. If you would like to participate by adding photos to the app, please contact Bill Nakamatsu at william .nakamatsu(c�doh.hawaii.gov. 4. Accessibility of Passenger Vessels DCAB submitted comments to the U.S. Access Board in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Guidelines for Passenger Vessels. These guidelines would apply to the construction and alteration of passenger vessels, other than ferries and tenders, permitted to carry more than one hundred fifty (150) passengers or more than forty nine (49) overnight passengers. DCAB offered a variety of technical recommendations. For a copy of DCAB's testimony, contact Mona Higa at mona.higa @doh.hawaii.gov. 5. Update on the DCAB Hawaii Quality Assurance System (HAAS) Program DCAB has completed its first full year of the Continuing Education Program (CEU) for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters who possess the State HQAS credential. Currently there are nineteen (19) interpreters who are enrolled in the program. Twenty -five (25) interpreters participated in DCAB's workshop on January 10 and 11, 2014 with Todd Agan. The first workshop covered the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Ethics /Informed Consent and the second workshop discussed Medical Terminology and Anatomy. These two (2) workshops followed upon a series of sixteen (16) hours of workshops in October with Sally Pestana on Medical Terminology. DCAB has been fortunate to budget for the trainers, thus allowing the interpreters to participate without a registration fee. DCAB is also opening a library of publications for the HQAS CEU Program where interpreters can earn CEUs by checking out a publication or DVD and do their own independent study. One collection with seven (7) discussions in the independent study is available. Staff is currently working on adding more publications and DVDs to the library. For more information, contact Communication Access Specialist Kristine Pagano at kristine.pagano(c _ doh.hawaii.gov. Don't forget to sign up for DCAB's four (4) E- Bulletins For the Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities E -News, contact debbra.jackson .doh.hawaii.gov For the Facility Access E- Bulletin, contact laurie .palenske(c�doh.hawaii.gov For the Communication Access E- Bulletin, contact kristine .pagano(cD_doh.hawaii.gov For the SPIN News, contact jan.tateishi(c�doh.hawaii.gov A959 • y DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 101 • Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Ph. (808) 586 -8121 (V /TDD) • Fax (808) 586 -8129 March 2014 Report from the Disability and Communication Acces. City and County of Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Big Island M� Maui, Kauai, and Big Island Developmental Disabilities Disability Rights Hawaii Big Island State Council on Developmental Disabilities State Independent Living Council Submitted by Francine Wai, Executive Direct .. NOA New DCAB Staff The Disability and Communication Access Board is pleased to announce the hiring of Nyree Oshiro as a Facility Access Specialist effective February 10, 2014. Nyree is an architect formerly working at Benjamin Woo Architects, who comes to DCAB with knowledge in the area of fair housing and accessible housing design. We welcome her to our staff. 2. 2014 Legislative Session N4e Attached to this report is a list of legislative measures with an impact on disability that DCAB has taken a position on during the 2014 Session. None of the proposed bills were introduced by DCAB. If you would like additional information or DCAB's position on a specific bill, contact Debbie Jackson at debbra .iackson(a)doh.hawaii.gov. 3. DCAB Sponsored Conferences — Coming Up in April Just a reminder about registering for the upcoming DCAB sponsored conferences: Annual Special Parent Information Network (SPIN) Conference, "Hit a Home Run with SPIN," April 5, 2014, 8:30 a.m. — 3:30 p.m., UH Campus Center. Registration cost is $25 per parent ($40 for two family members together) or $40 per professional. Continental breakfast and lunch are included. For more information, including information on neighbor island scholarships, contact Jan Tateishi at jan.tateishi(a�doh.hawaii.gov. 2014 Public Rights -of -Way and Transit - Oriented Design Training, April 16, 2014, 8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m., Ala Moana Hotel. Our trainer will be Melissa Anderson, Transportation Engineer from the U.S. Access Board. Topics to be covered include: public rights -of -way, transit - oriented development, bus stops, and rail platforms and stations. She will be speaking to the applicable accessibility requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines as it relates to those facilities and site developments. The luncheon speaker will be Harrison Rue, City and County of Honolulu's Coordinator for Transit Oriented Development. Cost is $75 for early registration (through March 28, 2014) and $90 after that date. For more information, contact Laurie Palenske at laurie .palenske(a�doh.hawaii.gov. 4. Completed DCAB trainings DCAB staff is often requested to conduct speaking engagements or training in the community on disability access related topics. The following are some of staff's recently completed trainings: • Queen's Medical Center employees, "Service Animals" - Charlotte Townsend • Capitol Public Access Room, "ADA Title II Overview and Interacting with Persons with Disabilities" — Debbie Jackson • AIA Honolulu, "Accessible Toilet, Bath, and Locker Rooms" — Mona Higa • State Civil Defense Emergency Managers and Agencies Working with State Civil Defense, "Developing an Infrastructure to Support People with Access and Functional Needs During a Disaster" — Debbie Jackson • Regulated Industries Complaints Office Staff, "Providing Services to Persons with Disabilities" — Debbie Jackson • University of Hawaii Center for Disability Studies' Feeling Safe Being Safe Peer Trainers, "Community Partnerships in Emergency Management" — Debbie Jackson • Hawaii Community College Faculty and Staff, "Approaching and Interacting with People Claiming to Have a Service Dog" - Debbie Jackson • Executive Office on Aging Senior Medicare Patrol Staff, "Communicating with Persons with Disabilities" — Kristine Pagano If you would like to have a speaker from DCAB, please feel free to contact us at dcab doh.hawaii.gov. Don't forget to sign up for DCAB's four (4) E- Bulletins For the Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities E -News, contact debbra.jackson(a�-doh.hawaii.gov For the Facility Access E- Bulletin, contact laurie .palenske(aD-doh.hawaii.gov For the Communication Access E- Bulletin, contact kristine .pagano(cDdoh.hawaii.gov For the SPIN News, contact jan.tateishi(aD-doh.hawaii.gov Q Disability and Communication Access Board 2014 Legislative Bills (as of 2/13/14) Parking for Persons with Disabilities • Relating to Parking for the Disabled Provides for issuance of a permanent removable windshield placard for applicants with a permanent disability. 1%6, • SB 2492/HB 2099 — Advanced Practice Registered Nurses One provision allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to sign application for disabled parking placards. OK I& V B. Nondiscrimination /Civil Rights • HB 1910 — Relating to Disabled Persons Establishes a bill of rights for disabled persons. SB 3006 — Relating to Voting Establishes an online absentee voting pilot project beginning with the primary election of 2016. Makes an appropriation. Repeals on December 30, 2020. HB 1828 — Relating to Public Access Requires the legislative broadcast program to make an audio or audiovisual recording of all public hearings and informational briefings held at the state capitol, and maintain an archive of the recordings to be made available to the public. Appropriates funds. Effective July 1, 2014. C. Service Animals Nwr • HB 1420 — Relatinq to Service Animals Makes it a violation to falsely present an animal as a service animal if that animal is not individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. • HB 1762 — Relating to Disabled Persons Requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish and administer a service dog certification program. Requires persons accompanied by a service dog to possess a service dog certificate issued by the Department. Establishes a penalty for falsely representing a dog as a service dog. Takes effect January 1, 2015. • HB 186 — Relating to Pets in Restaurants and Bars Authorizes a restaurant or bar to permit pets inside the establishment subject to specified conditions. D. Community -Based Services for Persons with Disabilities — Non - Appropriation • SB 2393/HB 1519/SB 2921 — Relating to County Zoning for Group Living Facilities SB 2393 authorizes counties to require group living facilities to meet zoning requirements regarding geographic separation. Defines geographic separation as a distance specified by county ordinance. HB 1519/SB 2921 authorizes counties to require group living facilities to meet zoning requirements regarding traffic safety and congestion, elevated noise levels, and commercial deliveries. Defines geographic separation as at least 2,000 feet. SB 3102 — Making an Appropriation for the Feeling Safe, Being Safe Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii Center on Disability Studies for the continuation of the Feeling Safe, Being Safe program to increase the program's outreach and awareness activities in the State. HB 2125/SB 2946/HB 2130 — Relating to Videoconferencing 4,wp" HB 2125 requires the House of Representatives to implement rules for a pilot program to enable the House to receive live oral testimony from the County of Hawaii through audio or audiovisual technology. Requires consultation with the County of Hawaii, the Chief Information Officer and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Appropriates funds to establish audio or �� audiovisual systems. Effective on July 1, 2014, and sunsets on June 30, 2016. SB 2946/HB 2130 requires both chambers of the Legislature to implement rules by January 1, 2016 that allow residents to present testimony through audiovisual technology. Requires the House of Representatives to implement a pilot program during the 2015 regular session to enable the House to receive live oral testimony from Maui County through audiovisual technology. Appropriates moneys. SB 2147/HB 1983 — Relating to Safety Creates and implements a silver alert program to alert the public of any missing senior citizen with an impaired mental condition, to be operated concurrently with the Maile Amber Alert program. HB 2572 — Relating to Movie Theaters Adds a new provision under Section 347 -14, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to require motion picture theaters open to the general public to provide closed captioning and descriptive narration of each motion picture being shown. SCR 34 — Requesting the Auditor to Assess the Social and Financial Impacts of Requiring Health Insurers to Offer Coverage for Hearing Aids E. Community -Based Services for Persons with Disabilities — Appropriation • SB 2525/HB 1754 — Relating to Persons with Disabilities Establishes the Medicaid buy -in program for workers with disabilities and appropriates funds for outreach and training relating to the Medicaid buy -in program for workers with disabilities. • SB 2580 — Relating to Health Establishes the center for deaf and hard of hearing education. Requires the center to fulfill certain duties in an unbiased manner to ensure that children who are deaf or hard of hearing acquire optimal language skills and academic abilities. Makes a blank appropriation to DHS to establish the center. • HB 2228 — Relating to the Hearing Disabled Requires the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct a three -year pilot program on Hawaii Island to assist preschool -aged children with cochlear implants to acquire spoken language skills. Makes a blank appropriation to DOH to establish a pilot program on the Big Island. Effective July 1, 2014. F. Building Code /Design • Relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority Exempts the Hawaii Public Housing Authority from the county building permit and DCAB review fees in order to reduce the total cost related to providing low - income public housing. Does this by adding a new section to HRS Chapter 356D. • SB 2917/HB 1944 — Relating to Procurement Requires that contractors and prospective contractors with the State or counties, including those who are exempt from chapter 103D or 103F, HRS, comply with civil rights laws (includes ADA). G. Emergency Preparedness • HB 1733 — Relating to Public Safety Establishes a Task Force to make recommendations for the Hawaii Disaster Resilience Plan. Requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to prepare the plan. Appropriates funds. Effective July 1, 2014. H. Administrative /Other N40F • SB 2746 — Relating to Electronic Copies Clarifies that electronic copies shall be construed in the same manner as an original document for purposes of Chapter 1, HRS. Requires that electronic copies are acceptable for all purposes as intended by the particular statute that references an original document or like terms, unless otherwise provided by that statute. • HB 1847 — Relating to Taxation N&lr Requires all general excise tax returns to be filed electronically, beginning on January 1, 2015. • HB 1848 — Relating to Taxation Requires all general excise tax monthly returns to be filed electronically, beginning on January 1, 2015. • HB 2235/SB 2784 — Relatinq to Public Agency Meetings Amends §92 -7(a), Hawaii Revised Statutes, to clarify how proposed administrative rules may be described in public meeting agendas. • SB 2289/HB 2382 — Relating to Public Meetings Requires that an Internet web address be included on a meeting notice for instructions on submitting testimony for a meeting; allows boards and commissions to provide notice of a meeting by first class mail or electronic means, including electronic mail and text messaging; requires boards and commissions to provide instructions and contact information for persons to request to be included on the list for notification of meetings to be sent via postal mail or electronic means; and specifies that any person who fails to properly send meeting notices by postal mail or electronic means or fails to send meeting notices in a timely manner shall be subject to penalties. • SCR 3 — Urging the Department of Taxation to Amend the Hearing Examination Section of the Tax Form N -172 to Include Individuals with Meniere's Disease