It’s simple to solve disabled drivers dilemma
It’s simple to solve disabled drivers dilemma
The Feb. 17 West Hawaii Today quoted an Associated Press article, “Unfilled board leaves disabled drivers without licenses.” Most boards require a quorum to conduct business. In the case of licenses for disabled drivers, a medical advisory board must approve applications to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Unfortunately, the board must be composed only of medical “specialists.” Because the Oahu Medical Advisory Board has only one actively serving physician, more than 100 disabled drivers have not been approved in the last six months.
Honolulu has many kneeling public buses and a fleet of Handi Vans available to eligible elderly and disabled. Other than public transportation with set routes, the disabled have no access to personal transportation because of no license.
Discrimination could be claimed because of restrictive procedures, but we are compassionate people dedicated to providing services to all our citizens.
Consider these four solutions:
— Hire or subcontract local medical specialists to serve at the monthly medical advisory meetings to provide the needed quorum, as well as make determinations of eligibility. This could resolve the backlog of many of the 100 pending requests.
— Amend the Oahu Medical Advisory Board’s procedures for a one-time quorum exception to take care of the patiently-waiting applicants.
— Create an ad hoc committee of the existing board that functions only long enough to serve the needs of the wait list.
— Consult an American Disability Association professional on this issue.
Are we so attached to Robert’s Rules of Order that we have overlooked the priority of providing the means for your uncle to meet his veteran’s appointment? Or for the high schooler to drive his parents to the first basketball game of the season? Independence and dignity can be restored with a few adjustments … and caring.
Jean Hartley
Director, Accessible Hawaii
Kona
How many Legos to build courthouse?
I agree with Robert Paddock’s observations regarding the architecture for the proposed courthouse.
It made me wonder how many Legos would be needed to build it.
Dennis Bosler
Kailua-Kona