Mark Linscott

The Board discussed the recruitment and hiring process for the Executive Director position, including the potential establishment of a Permitted Interaction Group to oversee the process. The Executive Director provided a report on legislative activities for the 2026 session, specifically highlighting bills related to state budget adjustments, funding transfers, parking for disabled persons, disaster services, deaf individuals, digital accessibility, and communication needs in health care. Additionally, the Board reviewed personnel updates, including the establishment of new staff positions and attendance at various trainings and conferences. Standing committee reports were presented covering legislative matters, communication access, parking statistics and plans, and transportation programs. Other discussions included the Special Parent Information Network activities and ADA coordination efforts.

The committee meeting addressed several key transportation and infrastructure topics. Discussions included Hawaii Paratransit services, specifically the expansion of the Hele-On program, and the impacts of Honolulu rail construction on pedestrian walkways along Dillingham Boulevard. The agenda also covered updates on the City Charter Commission's proposals regarding public transportation systems and infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 draft Plan of Action, legislation related to parking for disabled persons, and initiatives for deaf individuals, including new American Sign Language interpreting services at airports and airport animal quarantine facility improvements.

The Committee discussed various parking-related initiatives, including the development of a draft survey for disability parking permittees and the retrieval of voided or expired placards. Legislative updates were provided regarding state bills impacting parking accessibility and placard issuance. The meeting included a review of fiscal year statistics for placard issuance and collections, an analysis of potential issues with online services for permittees, and updates on enforcement and design compliance for accessible parking spaces. Additionally, the Committee reviewed materials regarding parking etiquette and professional guidance for medical personnel.

The Legislative Committee meeting agenda includes updates on the number of bills tracked and testimonies submitted. The committee will review various bills and resolutions, including those related to emergency announcements, Medicaid eligibility for individuals with disabilities, service animals, parking permits for disabled persons, hearing aids, disability notation on identification cards, and universal changing accommodations. Furthermore, the agenda covers disability integration in emergency management, braille literacy support, and a study of communication needs for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind in health care settings.

The meeting will focus on the recruitment and hiring process for the Executive Director position, including the potential establishment of a Permitted Interaction Group to oversee the search. The Executive Director's report will provide updates on relevant legislative bills from the Thirty-Third Legislature, personnel updates regarding new positions and intern programs, and reports on recent staff attendance at various trainings and community events. Furthermore, reports from the Legislative Committee, the Standing Committee on Communication Access, the Standing Committee on Parking, and the Standing Committee on Transportation will be presented, covering topics such as workshops for American Sign Language interpreters, parking placard statistics, and departmental reports on facility improvements. Finally, the meeting will address ADA coordination and include an open forum for public comment.