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Committee forwards Parks Department Title VI plan to full council
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to send Resolution 547-24, the Department of Parks and Recreation 2024 Title VI plan required under Federal Transit Administration guidance, to the full council with a favorable recommendation.
The committee forwarded Resolution 547-24 — the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation 2024 Title VI plan — to the full county council with a favorable recommendation after a brief presentation and questions from members.
Maurice Messina, director of parks and recreation, told the committee the plan documents the department’s obligations under Federal Transit Administration Title VI guidance and confirms the agency will not discriminate in federally funded transit services. "We just have to make sure that our Title VI plan is up to date," Messina said. "Just we will not discriminate against anyone." The presentation noted some vans used for transportation are federally funded, which triggers the Title VI requirement.
Council members asked about complaint handling and service delivery. Council member Evans asked whether complaints must be written and signed; Messina said the department serves roughly "between 13 and 15,000" kupuna annually and that formal complaints come in writing, while staff will meet privately with individuals who prefer not to sign a written complaint.
The committee recorded a vote to forward the resolution to the full council with a favorable recommendation; the clerk recorded nine ayes.
The measure will next be considered by the full Hawaii County Council.
