Hawaii County, HI
Home MenuEqual Opportunity/ADA
Equal Opportunity Officer/ADA Coordinator:
Danny Patel
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 2
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-8361
Fax: (808) 961-8617
Email: cohhr@hawaiicounty.gov
Description: The Equal Opportunity Officer develops policies and programs to ensure the County of Hawaiʻi’s compliance with all Federal and State Civil Rights laws.
If you have difficulty accessing the information on this webpage or wish to request it in another format, please contact the Department of Human Resources at cohhr@hawaiicounty.gov.
County of Hawaiʻi Policies
Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy
Hawaiʻi County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. The County of Hawaiʻi does not discriminate in employment, provision of services, and access to programs and facilities on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, disability, genetic information, age, marital status, military service, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, 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 Hawaiʻi County or anyone with whom they must interact in the course of their duties as an employee of Hawaiʻi 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.
1Pursuant to state law, the County may consider an individual’s criminal history for employment purposes under certain circumstances.
Policy on the Use of Mobility Devices
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II, regulations effective March 15, 2011, the County has issued a Policy on the Use of Mobility Devices.
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 or participate in County sponsored employment events.
Procedure for Requesting Modifications to County of Hawaiʻi Facilities, Programs, or Services
Any qualified individual with a disability as defined by the ADA may request a modification to better access a County of Hawaiʻi facility, program and/or service. Please click on the following link for procedures and forms.
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 Hawaiʻi will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs, or activities.
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 Hawaiʻi Policies.
County of Hawaiʻi Programs and Services
Disability Parking Permit Program
Any person with a disability who wishes to apply for a Disability Parking Permit may go to Disability Parking Permit.
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.
Procedures for Requesting Repair of Sidewalk or Other Access Improvements
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.
Hele-On Bus – Service Animal Information
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities 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.
Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo And Gardens
Mobility Scooters for Loan
The Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and 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:
Service Animal Policy
Concurrent with ADA regulations, the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens 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.
Language Access Plan
The Department of Human Resources’ Language Access Plan outlines the steps the department will take to provide meaningful access to individuals who are Limited English Proficient.
Other Information
Blind Vendor Program
The Blind Vendor’s Program is authorized by the Randolph-Sheppard Act. The Randolph –Sheppard Act provides persons who are blind with remunerative employment and self-support through the operation of vending facilities on federal and other property. The program, enacted into law in 1936, was intended to enhance employment opportunities for trained, licensed blind persons to operate facilities. The law was subsequently amended in 1954 and again in 1974 to ultimately ensure individuals who are blind a priority in the operation of vending facilities, which included cafeterias, snack bars, and automatic vending machines, that are on federal property. The program priority has broadened in most states through state laws to include state, county, municipal, and private locations as well. Under the Randolph Sheppard program, state licensing agencies recruit, train, license, and place individuals who are blind as operators of vending facilities located on federal and other properties. The act authorizes a blind individual licensed by the state licensing agency to conduct specified activities in vending facilities through permits or contracts.
There is one in the West Hawaii Civic Center; another, at the Aupuni Center: Hidden Treasure Mini Mart. There are also Blind Vendors at the Airport and the Hilo Medical Center.
Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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:
Fair Housing (Under Office of Housing and Community Development)
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
Phone: 1-800-872-2253 - 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
Hawaiʻi State
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