Hawaii advocates discuss transportation bill for people with disabilities

The HUS/TRN Joint Public Hearing held on March 19, 2024, focused on critical transportation issues affecting Hawaii's kupuna and individuals with disabilities. The meeting began with remarks from James Gashel, representing the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, who expressed strong support for a bill aimed at addressing significant gaps in transportation services for these communities.

Gashel highlighted that many elderly residents and people with disabilities struggle with transportation options, particularly those unable to drive. He emphasized the importance of the proposed legislation, which seeks to provide staffing resources to develop better transportation solutions, thereby enhancing independence for affected individuals. Gashel noted that the bill had nearly passed in the previous year and expressed hope for its successful advancement this year.

Following Gashel, Donald Sakamoto, also from the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, joined the discussion via Zoom. Sakamoto, an advocate for public transportation on Oahu, reiterated the necessity of improving bus and paratransit services, as well as the skyline system, to better serve the needs of the community.

The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance transportation accessibility in Hawaii, with advocates urging swift action on the proposed bill to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support they need. The discussions set the stage for further deliberations on the bill's progress and potential implementation strategies.