In a move to foster enhanced accessibility and civility in parking conduct, the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) of Hawai'i's Department of Health has revealed a new optional sign for van-accessible parking spaces, aimed at promoting the 'Park with Aloha' spirit among drivers, according to Department of Health.
These newly introduced signs underscore the importance of reserved parking spots specifically for side ramp or lift-equipped vehicles (SRLVs), which require extra space for accessibility—the van-accessible parking spaces must be wider than standard ones to facilitate the deployment of ramps or lifts, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), that requires one out of every six accessible spaces to be van-accessible, but despite this, the DCAB has noted concerns as SRLV drivers often find these spots occupied by vehicles without side ramps or lifts, a concern that Kirby Shaw, DCAB executive director, highlighted, saying "Vehicles without side ramps or lifts parking in van-accessible spaces when standard accessible spaces are available is one of the most common complaints we receive from SRLV drivers" and that the intent is to steer non-SRLV drivers to use standard spaces instead, as per Department of Health.
The new signage is part of a broader initiative, the 'Park with Aloha' campaign, which encourages drivers to extend the courtesy and respect integral to the Aloha spirit into their parking habits, urging drivers to consider the needs of those in the disabled community when choosing a parking spot; these signs, downloadable from the DCAB website in Department of Health website, Sign Download, represent more than a directive, they are emblematic of an ethos intended for statewide adoption.
