Equal Opportunity Officer/ADA Coordinator

The Equal Opportunity Officer develops policies and programs to ensure the County’s compliance with all State and Federal Civil Rights laws. The Equal Opportunity Officer is:

Teri Spinola-Campbell
Department of Human Resources
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 2
Hilo, HI 96720
Tel: 808-961-8361
Fax: 808-961-8617
Email: tspinola-campbell@co.hawaii.hi.us

Please note that commencing July 2010 and through June 2011, the EO Officer will be out of the office on furlough days in accordance with the County of Hawai‘i's furlough-day schedule (the first and third Friday of each month and August 23, 2010).

If you have difficulty accessing the information on this webpage or wish to request it in another format, please contact the ADA Coordinator.

County of Hawai‘i Programs and Services

Notice under the Americans with Disabilities Act

"In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), the County of Hawai‘i will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs, or activities."

Please click on the following link for the full notice signed by the Honorable Mayor William P. Kenoi.

Notice under the Americans with Disabilities Act (Please note: this pdf file is set for legal-size paper.)

Americans with Disabilities Act Grievances

You may file a complaint alleging discrimination or harassment on the basis of disability with the ADA Coordinator. For more information, please click on the link to our Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy under County of Hawai‘i Policies.

Disability Parking Permit Program

Any person with a disability who wishes to apply for a Disability Parking Permit may go to Disability Parking Permit.

Procedure for Requesting Modifications to County of Hawai‘i Facilities, Programs, or Services

Any qualified individual with a disability may request a modification to better access a County of Hawai‘i facility, program, and/or service. Please click on the following links for the procedure and form.

Procedure for Requesting Modifications to County of Hawai‘i Facilities, Programs, or Services (PDF)
DHR EO 017 County of Hawai‘i Request for Modification Form (PDF)
DHR EO 017 County of Hawai‘i Request for Modification Form (Word Doc)

Procedures for Requesting Curb Ramps

Any person with a disability who is in need of new curb ramps or who is in need of modifications to existing non-compliant curb ramps may submit a request to the Department of Public Works. Go to Curb Ramp Request. (PDF)

Complaints regarding Inaccessible Sidewalks

If you are having a problem with sidewalks that are in need of repair, blocked by shrubbery, plant growth, or other debris, please use the form below to request our Department of Public Works to conduct an inspection and correct the problem.

Request for Repair of Sidewalk or Other Access Improvement to Public Right of Way (PDF)

Hele-On Bus – Service Animal Information:

In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act, you can ride the Hele-On Bus with your service animal. Please follow the link for more information regarding service animals on the Hele-On Bus.

Hele-On Bus Service Animal Information (PDF)

For more information about the Hele-On Bus, go to Hawai‘i County Mass Transit Agency — Hele-On Bus.

Pana‘ewa Rainforest and Zoo

Mobility Scooters for Loan

The Pana‘ewa Rainforest and Zoo Gardens will loan mobility scooters to individuals who are challenged by the zoo's rugged terrain. For more information and to review the terms and conditions of use, please click on the link below:

Mobility Scooter Indemnification Agreement (PDF)

Service Animal Policy

Concurrent with ADA regulations, the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Garden does allow fully trained service animals into the zoo. Our Policy is based upon the unique features of our zoo. Please follow the link below to view the complete policy.

Service Animal Policy – (PDF)

County of Hawai‘i Policies

Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The County of Hawai‘i does not discriminate in employment, provision of services, and access to programs and facilities on the basis of sex, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, disability, age, marital status, military service, veteran's status, sexual orientation, lactation, arrest and court record¹, citizenship, or any other classification protected by state or federal law.

Persons who believe that they have been illegally harassed or discriminated against by any employee or agent of Hawai‘i County or anyone with whom they must interact in the course of their duties as an employee of Hawai‘i County may file a complaint, with their immediate supervisor, or Department Head through the County Department's Internal Complaint Procedure. If this is not feasible, i.e. if the Department Head is named in the complaint, complaints may be filed with the Equal Opportunity Officer.

¹ ^{Pursuant to law, Hawai‘i County may consider an individual's
criminal history for employment purposes before making a conditional job offer.}

Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy (PDF)
Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Procedures (PDF)
Discrimination / Harassment Complaint Form (PDF)
Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Form (Word Doc)

Procedure for Providing Reasonable Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities

These procedures were developed to ensure that departments and agencies within the Executive Branch meet their obligations to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities in a consistent, appropriate, and thorough manner. These procedures apply to all employees and job applicants and may also apply to individuals who attend County sponsored employment events.

Procedures for Providing Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities (PDF)

Other Information

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in Housing

If you believe you have been denied housing illegally, please click on the link below for more information:

http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory.dir_housing.htm

Design and Construction of Accessible Facilities

If you have questions related to design and construction of accessible facilities, please contact the agencies listed below:

Federal:
U.S. Access Board
Tel: 1-800-872-2253
www.access-board.gov

U.S. Department of Justice
ADA Information Line (for Technical Assistance)
1-800-514-0301 (press 7 to bypass the menu and speak to a consultant)
www.ada.gov

Hawai‘i State:
Disability Communication and Access Board (DCAB)
808-586-8121
http://hawaii.gov/health/dcab/home/index.htm
click on Interpretative Opinions