SB1446 would authorize each Hawaii county to adopt ordinances enforcing the design and construction requirements for parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. The bill is aimed at ensuring that accessible parking spaces are properly numbered, located, designed, and signed so that people with mobility disabilities can use them without barriers. It also allows counties to set penalties for violations of those local ordinances.
The measure amends section 291-58 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to shift from a statewide compliance framework focused on parking for persons with disabilities to a model that expressly permits county-level enforcement. Under the bill, county-appointed officials could enter the property of places of public accommodation to enforce applicable ordinances. The bill defines “place of public accommodation” by reference to existing law in section 489-2 and would take effect on July 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill would change Hawaii law by expressly authorizing counties to regulate and enforce accessible parking space design and construction requirements under chapter 291, including the ability to impose penalties for noncompliance. It would also permit county officials to inspect places of public accommodation for enforcement purposes. The bill does not create a new statewide parking program, but it expands local enforcement authority over existing accessibility standards and could affect businesses, property owners, and public accommodations that provide disabled parking spaces.
Sentiment
The bill appears generally supportive of disability access and enforcement of existing accessibility standards. Its stated purpose is to remove barriers created by improper design and signage of accessible parking spaces, suggesting a consumer- and access-oriented policy goal. No committee testimony or recorded votes were provided, so there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill text itself.
Contention
The main policy issue is enforcement authority: the bill gives counties power to adopt and enforce ordinances, including penalties and property entry by county officials, which could raise concerns for private property owners and businesses subject to inspection. Another possible point of contention is the shift from a statewide framework to county-by-county ordinances, which may create variation in enforcement across islands. The bill text itself frames the change as necessary to improve access for persons with disabilities, indicating that disability advocates would likely support it while regulated entities may be concerned about compliance costs and enforcement reach.