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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014_1119 MACFEA_Agenda_Packet COUNTY OF KAUAI MAYOR' S ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR EQUAL ACCESS NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA Tuesday, November 18 , 2014 12 : 30 p.m. or shortly thereafter Mo ` ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/213 4444 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766 MACFEA' S MISSION IS TO ASSIST THE COUNTY OF KAUAI IN ITS COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL, STATE AND COUNTY LAWS MANDATING EQUAL ACCESS CALL TO ORDER INTRODUCTION OF MACFEA MEMBERS AND STAFF Presentation by the Deputy County Attorney to explain subcommittees and permitted interaction groups, their respective Sunshine Law requirements, and the role and responsibilities of the two recently created groups within MACFEA. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Regular Open Session Minutes of July 15 , 2014 BUSINESS • Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2015 • Discussion and decision-making on 2015 MACFEA meeting schedule • Discussion and decision-making on adopting or amending the existing 2013/2014 MACFEA Goals for 2014/2015 (On going) 1 . Increasing Emergency Preparedness 2 . Increasing Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the County • Discussion and decision-making on n adopting a 5 -,goal REPORTS • DCAB report for August, October, and November 2014 • ADA Coordinator' s report • Updates / Announcements NEXT MEETING Tuesday, January 20, 2015 — 12 : 30 p.m. , Mo ` ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A/213 ADJOURNMENT cc: Mona Clark, 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 representing (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. 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 chairperson or presiding member. Send written testimony to : MACFEA Attn: Cherisse Zaima Office of Boards and Commissions 4444 Rice Street, Suite 150 Lihue, HI 96766 e-mail : czaimaa kauai . gov Phone : 241 -4881 Fax: 241 -5127 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, July 15, 2014 Mo` ikeha Building , Meeting Room 2A-2B 4444 Rice Street, Lihu `e, HI 96766 Members Present: Rita Manriquez — State Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board (STBIAB ) ; Betty Bell — Kaua ' i Federation for the Blind ; Ellen Ching — Easter Seals Hawai ' i ; Roberta Eiben , Consumer; Dr. Lucy Miller — DCAB ( Disability and Communication Access Board ) Board Member; Suzie Woolway — ' Ohana Home Health Care ; Kathy Sheffield — National Alliance on Mental Illness ; Kathy English — Hawai ' i Disability Rights Center Members Excused : Keri Russell — American Red Cross ; El Doi — Kaua' i Developmental Disability Council ; Elena Costales , Consumer, HCIL — Kaua' i Volunteer Staff members also present: Linda Nuland -Ames — ADA/EEOC Coordinator; Cherisse Zaima — Commission Support Clerk; Paula Morikami — Administrator; Guest: Mayor Bernard P . Carvalho , Jr. CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta Eiben called the meeting to order at 12 :43 p . m . with 7 members present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Regular Open Session Minutes of May 20 , 2014 Action : Ms . Bell moved to approve the minutes as circulated . Ms . Woolway seconded the motion . Motion carried 7 : 0 . REPORTS • DCAB DCAB reports for June and July Dr. Lucy Miller reported that DCAB will be having an all -day meeting on Thursday to establish criteria for the upcoming years ; there is nothing to report yet. • ADA Ms . Nuland -Ames reported that she along with members of the Department of Parks and Recreation , and Public Works have begun meeting with County Council Chair Jay Furfaro regarding further ADA improvements , which also includes resolving the Ho ` ike captioning problem . A smaller team from that committee will be revisiting the County Transition Plan that began in 1999 , and reviewing 86 County sites that need to be addressed . The New (sic) Generation 911 is being worked on by Kauai Police Department's telecommunications officer David Miyasaki , and police Lieutenant Robert Gausepohl . Ms . Nuland -Ames was informed that implementation of the system is directed by the State board , and that everyone involved is personally committed to it and working very hard ; however, the rollout is not going as smoothly as they anticipated . The plan is for everyone to go online together, but they must ensure they have the most recent generation hardware to utilize , which no one has . Additionally, the system link must be uniform statewide , and requires the collaboration of many different telecommunications companies and providers . The cost is far higher than anticipated as well . The goal is to still fully achieve NG911 by the end of the year, but there is a possibility that it will not be 100 percent complete by then . Ms . Nuland-Ames stated the two individuals involved with the NG911 implementation expressed concern that the whole plan nationwide was not better organized , noting that they did not realize how massive it was nationally to get everyone up to the same grade . Ms . Nuland -Ames stated she plans to meet with the new recruits of the Kaua' i Police Department to talk with them about the ADA, and provide classroom -type instruction as well as have discussions with different members of the community with disabilities . She noted that she recently met with the police dispatchers who expressed a great appreciation for the information she provided . Ms . Nuland -Ames suggested MACFEA members accompany her to speak with the recruits , offer any insight, and answer any questions , which she feels the new recruits and dispatchers would greatly appreciate . Ms . Manriquez stated the Brain Injury Association of Hawaii is supposed to have been going to each island to provide their own presentation on brain injuries . She suggested that Ms . Nuland -Ames double-check to see if that had been done on Kauai , and offered to provide contact information . Ms . Sheffield noted that she would really like to attend , and asked whether a date and time were available . Ms . Nuland -Ames stated no , she is meeting with the trainer to figure out the dates . Ms . Ching requested the dates and times be emailed to the members . Office of Boards and Commissions Administrator Paula Morikami introduced Mayor Bernard Carvalho . Mayor Carvalho expressed his appreciation for all that MACFEA does , and their hard work and advocacy in keeping the County moving . He praised Ms . Nuland -Ames for the great job she is doing in keeping the Mayor's office informed every step of the way with the work that is being done as well as opportunities presented in the community. He commented the importance of their work, noting they are in the process of transforming the community to make it more walkable , bike-able , and more connected . MACFEA — July 15 , 2014 2 Mayor Carvalho stated sometimes it takes a little extra discussion and effort to get things accomplished , but noted that Ms . Nuland -Ames has been very diligent in informing and educating everyone , and ensuring the County is ADA compliant, meeting its requirements , and meeting the needs of the people . Mayor Carvalho reminded the Committee that there are always challenges , but the important thing is to rise above them and focus on positive solutions . Ms . Woolway commented that she would like to get someone on the Kaua ' i Mayor-A- Thon committee to address accessibility. She stated that KORE ( Kaua ' i Ocean Recreation Experience ) recently purchased Mobi -Mats , and would be happy to offer those for use at the next Mayor-A-Thon . Ms . Nuland-Ames noted that Mobi -Mats had been utilized at this year's Mayor-A-Thon , which proved to be extremely helpful to all , not just those with wheelchairs . She also noted that the County only co -sponsors that event, and that it is run by another agency. Ms . Nuland-Ames provided extensive information on the Mobi-mats , the ease of setup and use , and the numerous benefits of utilizing these mats . Ms . Woolway noted that she recommended that the Think Big group invite Bev Brody to come and talk about the importance of exercise , which would also increase Ms . Brody's knowledge on accessibility. Ms . Ching stated she would be moving on to a different topic, noting that around this time last year the Committee was discussing annual goals , and she would like to revisit that to re-adopt goals . She also noted that there was previous discussion on forming subcommittees , yet they have not moved forward with that. She feels that also needs to be revisited . (Staff later informed the members that subcommittees had already been created for both Increasing Emergency Preparedness , and Increasing Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the County. Staff also informed subcommittee members that they are free to meet with their respective members any time outside of the regular full MACFEA committee meetings . These subcommittee meetings do not require agenda postings ; a subsequent report from the subcommittees can be included on the regular MACFEA meeting agenda if necessary) Ms . Ching requested an item be placed on the next meeting 's agenda to discuss the goals presented last year, and to make a decision to either adopt or amend those goals . Because they only meet every other month , it takes a lot of time to get things moving forward . Considering the Committee only meets every other month , she also suggested the possibility of adopting a 5-year goal to be revisited annually for any necessary amendments . Ms . Manriquez commented that DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation ) is the organization that works with people with disabilities in helping them re-enter the workforce . Therefore , she feels MACFEA cannot really do anything as they are an advisory committee that only makes recommendations to the Mayor. Ms . Manriquez addressed the issue on disaster preparedness , noting the importance of having Keri MACFEA — July 15 , 2014 3 Russell from Red Cross present at meetings as she is in charge of the disaster planning for the County. She would like to wait until Ms . Russell is present before having any discussions on disaster preparedness for the County. Ms . Manriquez commented it is not her kuleana to say anything about it. Ms . Nuland -Ames pointed out that Civil Defense is the agency in charge of emergency response . Ms . Manriquez agreed , but stated that the informational aspect of disaster preparedness lies with the Red Cross . She commented that only the leads of health services , such as herself, know about shelter setups and dealing with people with disabilities . Ms . Woolway stated that even in an advisory capacity, she feels it would be beneficial to have people outside of the Red Cross organization to be involved with possible site visits , or providing input on what they observe . She acknowledged the services that DVR provides , but noted that not everyone uses those services , and the emergency response teams should receive input from the "layman 's" point of view. She feels that should be the intent of MACFEA's role as an advisory board . Ms . Manriquez stated for as many years as she has been on an advisory board , they have not done anything like that; this would take them on a whole different route . She thought they were only supposed to be representing their own agencies , and have discussion . Ms . Woolway stated that they only meet every other month , and suggested the members get together outside of the meeting to discuss , and do activities outside of the meeting . Deputy County Attorney Mona Clark noted they would have to post an agenda if they are going to have any sort of meeting . Ms . Woolway clarified that she was speaking specifically about the subcommittees . Ms . Ching revisited the discussion on the previous goals that were adopted , and suggested the Committee come up with a strategic plan . She noted the primary function of MACFEA is to make recommendations to the Mayor, and during her year as a member, they have not forwarded a single recommendation . Based on the goals they previously adopted , she suggested they draft a document stating their recommendations that can be forwarded to the Mayor, who will then decide whether or not he accepts those recommendations . She would really like to move forward on the goals they have already adopted . Referencing DVR, Ms . Ching pointed out that the County is one of the largest employers on Kauai , but questioned how many people with disabilities are actually employed there . She noted that many people with disabilities have no work experience , which makes it difficult to obtain employment. She detailed many ways people with disabilities could be prepared for employment. Referencing emergency preparedness , Ms . Ching shared information on discussions she has had with people from other agencies , noting she feels they should look into creating a voluntary list of people with disabilities so that emergency responders are better able to assist those individuals . Ms . Manriquez commented that this issue did come up years ago with the Department of Health , and it was determined that a list could not be made due to confidentiality issues . MACFEA — July 15 , 2014 4 Deputy County Attorney Clark interjected to inform the Committee that the discussion has moved beyond Updates and Announcements , and is getting into the substance of the subcommittees' discussions , which is not included on this agenda . Ms . Sheffield noted the lack of structure , and requested by-laws be distributed to members to guide committee members on what their job descriptions and duties are . Staff informed the Committee that the MACFEA policy is distributed to each new member upon their appointment to the Committee , but will email additional copies if necessary. Ms . Sheffield reported that she attended a very thorough Civil Defense disaster preparedness training , which she found excellent. She pointed out their strongest recommendation is to shelter people in place , and noted that the County will not be responsible for people who have handicaps or otherwise , and individuals must have their own advocacy and care-givers . Ms . Sheffield announced that NAMI successfully graduated their second class for Family to Family, which is a free , 12-week course . The next class will begin September 4 , which will be a series of 12 Thursday night sessions . Additionally, they now have an active Family to Family support group that meets the fourth Wednesday of each month . She clarified that the classes and support group are to help the families of their consumers , not the consumers themselves . ANNOUNCEMENTS : The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 16 , 2014 at 12 : 30 p . m . , Mo' ikeha Building , Meeting Room 2A/2B . Adjournment: Chair Eiben announced the meeting was adjourned at 1 : 21 p . m . Respectfully submitted by: Cherisse Zaima , Support Clerk ( ) Approved as circulated ( ) Approved as amended MACFEA — July 15 , 2014 5 COUNTY OF KAUAI MAYOR'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR EQUAL ACCESS c/o Boards and Commissions 4444 Rice Street, Suite 150 Lihue , HI 96766 2015 MEETING SCHEDULE January 20 , 2015 March 17 , 2015 May 19 , 2015 July 21 , 2015 September 15 , 2015 November 17 , 2015 2014/2015 Proposed MACFEA Goals Increasing Emergency Preparedness I . Identify areas of concern and draft up recommendations to address these areas II . To increase emergency preparedness , engage in formalized partnerships with community organizations and groups including the Red Cross and the Center on Disability Studies ( Emergency Preparedness System of Support Project) A. Form a partnership with Red Cross to : 1 . Work with Red Cross to identify preparedness steps for People with Disabilities with Kauai Specific information . 2 . Identify more facilities that could serve as accessible shelters . 3 . Red Cross will offer People with Access and Functional Needs Awareness training for all volunteers twice per year. 4 . Assist Red Cross in finding potential partners and resources . B . Form a partnership with the Center on Disability Studies ( Emergency Preparedness System of Support Project) to facilitate and provide support to encourage as many people as possible to attend the " Feeling Safe Being Safe" curriculum C . Form a partnership with DCAB to : 1 . To provide the personnel , resources and training on shelter accessibility and preparedness III . Develop and implement a targeted awareness and education campaign plan on shelter locations , first aid locations and any other pertinent information . Increasing Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the County I . Provide information to the MCFEA committee on the hiring process and procedures to increase awareness II . Develop and implement an internship and volunteer program to increase job readiness III . Develop and implement a strategic plan to increase the employment of individuals with disabilities in the County. 0( o F N4 A, X0a X958n 9i . DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD o 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 101 • Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 ���.•.�.�na�' Ph. (808) 586-8121 (V/TDD) • Fax (808) 586-8129 August 2014 Report from the Disability and Communication Access Board for City and County of Honolulu , Maui , Kauai , and Big Island Mayors Committees Maui , Kauai , and Big Island Developmental Disabilities Committees Disability Rights Hawaii Big Island State Council on Developmental Disabilities State Independent Living Council 1 . Aloha to DCAB and SPIN Staff DCAB is saying aloha and mahalo to two (2 ) staff members . Jan Tateishi , Special Parent Information Network (SPIN ) Program Specialist from 1998 will retire on July 31 , 2014 . Jan has served on numerous Committees , i . e . , Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division 's Grievance and Appeals Committee , Waiver Policy Advisory Committee , Project Laulima to name a few. She was also our key person to coordinate the Annual SPIN Conference and assisting the Special Education Advisory Council with travel and meeting logistics . The Program Specialist position will be advertised through SPIN 's listserve sometime in August. For more information , please contact Susan Rocco at (808 ) 586-8126 or via email at susan . rocco(c doh . hawaii . gov. Nyree Oshiro , Facility Access Specialist will be leaving DCAB , effective August 81 2014 . Nyree has been with DCAB from February 2014 and has reviewed plans relating to § 103-50 , Hawaii Revised Statutes . She has also assisted in the coordination of the Outdoor Design Areas Accessibility Working Group . The Facility Access Specialist position will be advertised sometime in August. For more information , please contact Mona Higa at ( 808 ) 586-8121 or via email at mona . higa (cD,doh . hawaii . gov. Best wishes to both Jan and Nyree on their future endeavors . 2 . End of the Year Accomplishments The fiscal year 2013-2014 has ended for DCAB on June 30 , 2014 . The following are highlights in parking , facility access , and communication access . In administering the parking program for persons with disabilities , DCAB : • Coordinated issuance of placards between the Counties ; • Mailed 17 , 685 renewal notices and processed 13 , 880 renewals in -house ; • Total placards issued 31 , 086 ; • Retrieved 12 , 127 expired placards upon renewal ; • Sent out 2 , 065 estate letters and retrieved 989 placards of deceased persons , 48% deceased records purged ; • Supported passage of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) legislation for APRN authority on parking application ; • Launched and posted 476 photos on parking locator app ; • Worked with the Departments of Accounting and General Services and Transportation (Airports ) , and the University of Hawaii on increased enforcement, especially with employees with disabilities using accessible parking stalls ; and • Aired a 30-second video on accessible parking on television in July 2013 . In managing the facility access blueprint review process under § 103-50 , Hawaii Revised Statutes : • Implemented a fee schedule with various new operational policies ; • Reviewed 1 , 084 document reviews (662 new; 422 resubmittals) ; • Issued 2 Interpretive Opinions on handrails and ramp landings ; • Reviewed 18 master plans ; • Amended Hawaii Administrative Rules 11 -216 and 11 -217 ; • Sponsored 2 Design Conferences : ( 1 ) Accessible Communication Design and (2 ) Public Rights-of-Way, Rail and Transit-Oriented Design and cosponsored 2 home modification seminars on Oahu and Maui with AARP ; 4 additional workshops ; • Responded to 484 design questions by fax or email from the design community; • Issued 11 "Access E-Bulletins" to approximately 625 individuals ; • Provided guidance to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on construction of accessible homes for recipients with disabilities ; • Commented on the U . S . Access Board 's proposed rules on ( 1 ) Passenger Vessels , (2 ) Public Rights-of-Way and Shared Use Paths ; • Reviewed the Federal Transit Administration 's Guidance on Airport Signage ; and • Convened a Working Group on Outdoor Developed Guidelines . In administering our responsibilities for communication access , DCAB : • Tested 10 applicants ; • Established the Continuing Education Unit (CEU ) program with 23 (2 moved to the mainland ) HQAS interpreters signed up ; • In the process of establishing a secure HQAS CEU web site ; • Conducted 2 CEU workshops (each for 2 days) for HAAS and other community interpreters ; • Issued 3 "Communication Access E-News" ; Conducted 4 Communication Access trainings ; • Reviewed the Federal Communications Commission rules on captioning in television ; • Participated in an educational campaign with Hawaii Civil Rights Commission on effective communication in health care settings and developed 2 new brochures on civil rights for persons who are deaf and hard of hearing ; and • Participation in the Judiciary's Committee on Court Interpreters and Office of Language Access Advisory Council . 3 . Plan of Action Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Completed The DCAB Plan of Action for fiscal year 2014-2015 has been completed and approved at the Board 's July 17 , 2014 meeting . The Plan sets forth the Board 's goals and objectives which directs staff activities during the year. If you are interested in receiving a hard copy, please contact DCAB staff at (808 ) 586 -8121 or via email at dcab ( Ooh . hawaii . gov . 4 . Mark Your Calendars — SPIN Conference , May 2 , 2015 The 29th Annual SPIN Conference has been set for Saturday, May 2 , 2015 at the University of Hawaii Campus Center from 8 : 30 a . m . to 3 : 30 p . m . The theme is "Operation SPIN . " Please mark your calendars ! More information will provided in future Updates . 5 . New DCAB Board Member DCAB is pleased to welcome new Board member, Yolanda Phelan . Ms . Phelan was appointed on an interim basis to the Board on July 1 , 2014 . She is active in the blind community and has assisted with emergency preparedness workshops . We welcome Landa to the Board . --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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(a�doh . hawaii . gov For the Communication Access E-Bulletin , contact kristine . pagano(aDdoh . hawaii . gov For the SPIN News, contact spin doh . hawaii . gov ,if, O F N4 MCP+rA 1959 a 'i Q DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD �q• o- 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 101 • Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Ph. (808) 586-8121 (V/TDD) • Fax (808) 586-8129 October 2014 Report from the Disability and Communication Access Board for City and County of Honolulu , Maui , Kauai , and Big Island Mayors Committees Maui , Kauai , and Big Island Developmental Disabilities Committees Disability Rights Hawaii Big Island State Council on Developmental Disabilities State Independent Living Council 1 . New Special Parent Information Staff On October 1 , 2014 the Special Parent Information Network (SPIN ) will welcome a new staff. Amanda Kaahanui has been chosen to fill the Program Specialist, which was vacated by Jan Tateishi at the end of July 2014 . Amanda is a parent of a child with a disability and will bring her extensive experience to answering the SPIN line , coordinating the SPIN Conference , and conducting other outreach efforts . We welcome Amanda to the DCAB and SPIN family. 2 . Facility Access Unit Annual Report for Hawaii Revised Statutes ( HRS ) § 103-50 Activities The Facility Access Unit completed the "Section 103-50 Hawaii Revised Statutes Report of Activities Relating to Facility Access for Persons with Disabilities July 11 2013 through June 30 , 2014 . " The Report highlights key accomplishments by the Unit for fiscal year 2013-2014 . A copy of the Report is available on the DCAB web site at: www. health . hawaii . gov/dcab/facility-access ; Facility Access Reports and Archives . Should you have any questions on the Report, please contact Mona Higa at (808 ) 586-8121 or via email at mona . higa (�doh . hawaii . gov. 3 . Mark Your Calendars — SPIN Conference , May 2 , 2015 Its that time of year! Please mark your calendars for the 29th Annual SPIN Conference set for Saturday, May 2 , 2015 at the University of Hawaii Campus Center from 8 : 30 a . m . to 3 : 30 p . m . The theme of this year's Conference is "Operation SPIN . " More information on the Conference will provided in future Updates . 4 . Recent DCAB Trainings DCAB conducted the following training sessions and workshops on disability- related issues beginning this fiscal year: • " Pet Deposit, Service Animals and Comfort Animals" for the National Association of Residential Property Managers — Francine Wai • " Motor Vehicle and Licensing" for the County of Maui — Francine Wai • "ADA Law and Amendments" for the Department of the Attorney General — Debbie Jackson • "Customer Service for Persons with Disabilities" at Paradise Cruise , Ltd . — Charlotte Townsend • "ADA Regulations that Apply to Condominium Associations% Francine Wai • " Emergency Preparedness for the Disabled/Special Needs" at Castle Personal Care - Debbie Jackson • Training new hires for the City and County Permit Issuing Agency - Bill Nakamatsu If you would like more information on any of the above presentations or know of an organization that would like a presentation , please contact DCAB at dcab(a�doh . hawaii . gov . 5 . Hawaii Quality Assurance ( HAAS ) Update DCAB is pleased to announce three (3) Continuing Education Unit workshops for sign language interpreters on October 10- 111 2014 with Andrew Phillips , Esq . , an attorney from the National Association of the Deaf. He will be presenting on "The Legal Rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing People — A Discussion of Rent Cases , " "The NAD — Changing the World One Policy at a Time , " and " Effective Communication : Deaf Consumers Perspectives on Interpreting . " The workshops are cosponsored with the Hawaii Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. For more information , contact Kristine Pagano at kristine . pagano(a)doh . hawaii . gov . DCAB has also updated its list of communication access providers as of September 1 , 2014 . The new list is available at www. health . hawaii . gov/dcab/communication -access ; Communication Access Providers . 6 . Department of Justice Notice of Proposed Rulemaking under Title III Relating to Movie Theaters The Department of Justice 's ( DOJ ) proposed rules under Title III of the ADA relating to captioning and audio description of movies to give persons with hearing and vision disabilities access to movies . DOJ is proposing to provide a consistent nationwide standard for movie theaters to exhibit movies with closed captioning and audio description for all showings of movies that are available with the captioning or audio description . As film transfers from analog to digital format, more options will be available in the future . The bill does not require retrofit of movies , nor does it impose any independent obligation on movie theaters to add captions or audio descriptions to movies that are not already available with those features . DCAB took a position in support of the proposed rule and will be submitting testimony. The comment period has been extended to November 2014 . For more information , contact Charlotte Townsend at charlotte . townsend (a)doh . hawaii . gov . 7 . DCAB Interpretive Opinions DCAB is authorized to issue interpretive opinions as to the applicability of ADAAG provisions to projects under review for HRS § 103-50 . Two (2 ) interpretive opinions were recently issued by DCAB as follows : • DCAB Interpretive Opinion 2014-04 : Accessible Means of Egress ruled that the 2006 International Building Code ( IBC) , section 1007 provides equivalent facilitation to those editions and sections required by ADAAG section 207 . 1 . • DCAB Interpretive Opinion 2014-05 : Definition of ` Parking Facility' requires that where parking is designated or restricted to serve a different group of people , (e . g . , employees versus visitors/guests ) the designated parking area is to be viewed as a different ` parking facility. ' Where different amenities or level of service is provided , (e . g . , enclosed garage , carport, open-air parking ) or where parking rates vary (e . g . , free parking stalls versus rental stalls ) , the different types of parking are to be viewed as different ` parking facilities . ' For more information , contact Mona Higa at mona . hig�doh . hawaii . gov . 8 . Emergency Preparedness Activities by DCAB During the month of September, DCAB participated as an exhibitor at the 4t" Annual Get Ready Ewa Beach on September 5 , 2014 , Be Ready Manoa on September 13 , 2014 , and the Kailua Emergency Preparedness Fair on September 27 , 2014 . The events were planned as a community effort to educate local communities about disasters and emergency and how to prepare as part of September National Preparedness Month . The current disasters happening in the local community reminds us to make a plan , prepare a kit , and to keep informed about what is happening in our local areas . Mahalo to the City and County of Honolulu , Department of Emergency Management for inviting DCAB to participate and provide information to the community about emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs . Each of event was well advertised and had good community participation ! For more information , please contact Debbie Jackson at debbra .jackson 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 . iackson (a),doh . hawaii . gov For the Facility Access E-Bulletin , contact laurie . palenske(a�doh . hawaii . gov For the Communication Access E-Bulletin , contact kristine . pagano doh . hawaii . gov For the SPIN News, contact spin doh . hawaii . gov ,tE or N4 MCP+rA 1959 a 'i Q DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 101 • Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Ph. (808) 586-8121 (V/TDD) • Fax (808) 586-8129 November 2014 Revised Report from the Disability and Communication Access Board for City and County of Honolulu , Maui , Kauai , and Big Island Mayors Committees Maui , Kauai , and Big Island Developmental Disabilities Committees Disability Rights Hawaii Big Island State Council on Developmental Disabilities State Independent Living Council 1 . Disabled Person Parking Program Annual Report DCAB has completed its Annual Report on the Disabled Person Parking Program . In FY 2013-2014 , thirty two thousand two hundred eighty three (32 , 283) permits were issued , of which thirty one thousand one hundred thirty three (31 , 133 ) were placards and one thousand one hundred fifty ( 1 , 150 ) were license plates . The Report highlights statistics on the issuance of placards , reimbursement and income to the Counties , and other public education and enforcement efforts of DCAB . A copy of the Report will be placed on the DCAB web site by mid-November or can be obtained by contacting Bill Nakamatsu at william . nakamatsu (a'),doh . hawaii . gov. 2 . Department of Land and Natural Resources Proposed Rule Changes The Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing changes to its administrative rules , Title 13 , Chapter 122 Rules Regulating Game Bird Hunting , Field Trials , and Commercial Shooting Preserves , and Title 13 , Chapter 123 Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting . Both rules make similar changes . Providing reasonable modification of its policies and procedures for hunters with disabilities is among the rule changes . The modifications are not stated specifically but could include the use of crossbows or the ability to shoot from a vehicle . DCAB provided comments at the public hearing on October 24 , 2014 in support of the proposed changes , along with recommendations for improved wording and administrative procedures . For a copy of DCAB 's testimony, contact Charlotte Townsend at charlotte .townsend (a�doh . hawaii . gov . 3 . Department of Taxation Proposed Rule Changes The Department of Taxation is proposing changes to Hawaii Administrative Rules , Title 18 , Chapter 235 , Income Tax Law. The rules amend the criteria for "substantial gainful business or activity" when determining whether or not a person meets the definition of " permanently and totally disabled " for the purposes of tax benefits . The current rule states if a person with a disability earns more than $30 , 000 per year, the individual would be considered to be gainfully employed and not permanently and totally disabled . The proposed rule would eliminate the income threshold and leave the decision to the physician . Although DCAB has not taken a position , staff attended the public hearing held October 24 , 2014 and is monitoring the issue . For more information , contact Charlotte Townsend at charlotte .townsend (o),doh . hawaii . gov . 4 . Mark Your Calendars — Facility Access Training , April 7 , 2015 Our next design training is scheduled for April 7 , 2015 in Honolulu at the Neal S . Blaisdell Center's Pikake Room and will focus on "Accessible Routes , " both in the interior and exterior environment. The training will also highlight emergency egress and evacuation for persons with disabilities . Our speakers will be Scott Windley, AIA, of the U . S . Access Board , and Kim Paarlberg , AIA, of the International Code Council , and a representative from the State Fire Council . A full program will be available in early January 2015 but mark your calendars now for this important one-day training . For more information , contact Laurie Palenske at laurie . palenske(aD.doh . hawaii . gov . 5 . Travelers Tips to Hawaii DCAB has revised and updated its four (4 ) "Traveler's Tips" to Oahu , Kauai , the Big Island , and Maui County. The revisions will be posted on the on the DCAB web site at http ://health . hawaii . gov/dcab/Community- Resources/Visitors/ by mid - November. For more information , contact Charlotte Townsend at charlotte .townsend (a),doh . hawaii . gov . 6 . Service Animals and Food Establishments In response to concerns from establishments that serve food , the Department of Health ' s ( DOH ) Sanitation Branch and DCAB provided guidance on service animals in food service establishments . The guidance reiterates the requirements of the Department of Justice in its ADA Titles II and III in terms of the questions that may be asked . In addition , the guidance offers advice on the carrying of service animals in carts , the creation of barriers for the animal , and the sanitation of the cart after such use . Establishments may contact the DOH Sanitation Branch or DCAB at dcab _doh . hawaii . gov for more information . --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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(a�doh . hawaii . gov For the Communication Access E-Bulletin , contact kristine . pagano(a�doh . hawaii . gov For the SPIN News, contact spin ,doh . hawaii . gov