THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

384

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO ACCESS FOR DISABLED PERSONS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the statewide program on parking for persons with disabilities, established under part III of chapter 291, Hawaii Revised Statutes, pursuant to federal Public Law 100-641, enables individuals with mobility disabilities to travel and park in accessible parking spaces.

     The legislature further finds that while section 291-58, Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires that each public and private entity that provides a parking space reserved for persons with disabilities comply with part III of chapter 291, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and any administrative rules adopted under that part, the statute does not authorize enforcement by a government entity.  Instead, section 291-58, Hawaii Revised Statutes, provides that any action to impose or collect a fine on a non‑compliant private entity shall be considered a civil action.  Since its effective date of July 1, 2002, the statute has not been enforced.

     Accordingly, the purpose of the Act is to amend section 291-58, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to authorize the counties to adopt ordinances to enforce the accessible parking space design requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; part III of chapter 291, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and any administrative rules adopted under that part.

     SECTION 2.  Section 291-58, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§291-58[]  Requirement to provide parking for persons with disabilities; penalty.  Beginning July 1, 2002, any public or private entity that provides a parking space reserved for persons with disabilities shall comply with this part and any administrative rules adopted under this part.  A private entity that fails to comply with this section shall be fined not less than $250 nor more than $500 for each separate offense.  Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.  Any action taken to impose or collect any penalty provided for in this section shall be considered a civil action.]  Ordinances to enforce authorized.  (a)  Each county may adopt ordinances to:

     (1)  Enforce the design and construction requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; this part; and any administrative rules adopted under this part, pertaining to the provision of parking spaces and access to parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities, including but not limited to the number, location, design, and signage of these parking spaces; and

     (2)  Establish penalties for failure to comply with the ordinances adopted pursuant to this section.

     (b)  An official appointed by a county may enter the property of private entities to enforce any applicable ordinances adopted pursuant to this section."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Persons with Disabilities; Access Enforcement

 

Description:

Authorizes each county to adopt ordinances to enforce the design, construction and signage requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; part III of chapter 291, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and any administrative rules adopted under that part, including the establishment of penalties for failure to comply with the ordinance. Clarifies that an official appointed by a county may enter private property to enforce violations of the ordinances adopted by the county.

 

 

 

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