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True Grit |
| Enthusiastic and determined, Carole Kai keeps jumping over hurdles to keep the aloha flowing for dozens of Hawaii charities. |
Tools for Life |
| From state-of-the-art scooters to emergency response systems, Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii (ATRC) connects the elderly and people with disabilities with the latest devices to improve their lives. |
DEPARTMENT:
Kokua Corner
How to Obtain a Disability Parking Permit
You’ve seen them in every public or private parking facility that’s open to visitors—large spaces in close proximity to the primary entrance of your destination. Mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act, they’re usually marked by bright blue stripes and a sign that reads “Reserved Parking.” Although the correct terminology for them is “accessible parking for persons with disabilities,” they are often called “handicapped parking.”
Have you ever wondered who qualifies to use them? Anyone with a medically certified physical disability can apply for a State of Hawaii Disability Parking Permit, which allows the vehicle in which they are riding to be parked in these specially marked spaces.
Each space is designed with an access aisle to allow easy entry and exit for people relying on a cane, crutches, wheelchair or other assistive aids. The permit itself either is a placard that hangs from the vehicle’s rearview mirror or special license plates that bear the wheelchair icon known as the International Symbol of Access.
In
Hawaii, you may qualify for a disability parking permit if a doctor
(either an M.D. or a naturopathic physician) licensed to practice
in Hawaii certifies that you have a mobility impairment based on one
of the following criteria:
• You are unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest due to a diagnosed arthritic, neurological, orthopedic, renal, vascular or oncological condition.
• You are unable to walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair or other assistive device.
• Your breathing is severely restricted due to lung disease.
• You use portable oxygen.
• You have a serious cardiac condition designated as such (Class III or Class IV) by the American Heart Association.
You don’t have to be a resident of Hawaii to apply, but all applicants must provide proof of identity. Acceptable forms of identification include a current driver’s license, state identification card, tax clearance certificate or military identification card. If you’re a first-time applicant who is unable to apply in person due to your disability, you may designate a representative to apply on your behalf with your proof of identification, his/her identification and a completed application form.
If you expect your disability to last at least four years, you can obtain up to two free four-year blue placards, which are valid from the date of issue. If you expect your disability to last from one to six months, you can get two red temporary placards for $12 each. To renew, you must reapply and have your physician recertify your condition. This can be done up to two months before your placard expires.
You can acquire special disability license plates if your disability is expected to last at least four years and you are the registered owner of the vehicle. Cost is $5.50. In this case, you are limited to one four-year placard; you must renew it before it expires in order for your license plates to remain valid.
On
Oahu, you can apply for a disability parking permit at any Satellite
City Hall. The application form also can be downloaded from the Disability
and Communication Access Board’s Web site, www.hawaii.gov/health/dcab. Click
on the link “Parking for Persons with Disabilities” on
the left side of the home page.
The permit is issued to the person, not the vehicle; you don’t have to own or drive the vehicle in which the placard is displayed. Hawaii law requires you to carry a valid State of Hawaii Parking for Persons with Disabilities identification card whenever you use the placard. Be sure you have the card on hand should a policeman request to see it.
This is especially important for anyone who transports permit holders. Make sure you have access to their identification card or the placard could be confiscated and you could be slapped with a big fine. Abuse or misuse can result in the suspension or revocation of the permit and a fine that ranges between $260 and $500.
If
you’re traveling to the Mainland, take the placard with you.
It’s honored in every state and in many foreign countries, including
Canada, New Zealand and Australia. But, again, be prepared to show
your identification card as proof that the placard was issued to you.
Peter Harrer is the program specialist for the Statewide Program on Parking for Persons with Disabilities, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Disability and Communication Access Board. The Board’s address is 919 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 101 in Honolulu. You can reach Harrer at 586-8121 or via e-mail at dcab@doh.hawaii.gov.