GOVERNOR PROMOTES ACCESSIBILITY AT 2007 DISABILITY ACCESS CONFERENCE

September 6 - Governor Lingle delivered remarks at the 2007 Design for All Conference, which brought together individuals and design professionals to learn, share ideas and promote building facility and site designs that create social and physical environments that integrate innovative solutions and diverse user needs.

"You are in a position to make a difference in the lives of people just by small adjustments in how we approach our buildings and recreational areas," Governor Lingle told the architects and builders in the audience. 

Governor Lingle shared the state's efforts to improve accessibility for Hawai`i residents, including Act 082, which she signed into law on May 21, 2007.  The law creates a nine-member State Building Code Council to establish a statewide building code to better prepare Hawai`i for hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and other disasters.

The Governor and State Health Director Chiyome Fukino, M.D., also presented the first Accessible Design Awards, which honor residents and companies for their innovative work to create social and physical environments that meet the needs of people of all ages as well as those with disabilities.

"Accessibility improves and uplifts the lives of others so they will not be isolated," the Governor said as she congratulated honorees.