Hawaii Disability Parking — HRS §291-51 ADA Compliance Defense
Hawaii recognizes disability placards/plates from any state under HRS §291-51. Federal ADA (28 CFR Part 36) preempts conflicting enforcement. Honolulu and Maui in particular have heavy enforcement of disability spaces ($250+ fines), and tourists with valid out-of-state placards are sometimes erroneously cited. Additionally, ADAAG 2010 §502 specifies dimensions for accessible spaces — many Hawaii spaces (especially older lots, beach access) don't meet ADAAG and therefore aren't legally 'accessible spaces' for citation purposes.
Legal basis
HRS §291-51 to §291-53 (disability parking); ADA Title II, Title III; ADAAG 2010 §502; HRS §347 (Hawaii Disability Rights)
Sample appeal wording
Honolulu Department of Customer Services / [APPROPRIATE_AUTHORITY]\nRe: Citation #[CITATION_NUMBER] — ADA Defense\n\nDear Hearing Officer,\n\nI contest this disability parking citation. At the time of the alleged violation, my vehicle prominently displayed a valid disability parking placard issued by [STATE], registered to [NAME], placard number [#] (Exhibit A).\n\nUnder HRS §291-51 and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (28 CFR Part 36), valid disability parking credentials from any U.S. state must be honored in Hawaii. Federal law preempts any conflicting local enforcement.\n\n[If challenging space designation]\nFurthermore, the cited 'accessible space' does not meet ADAAG 2010 Standards §502:\n- Required: 96-inch wide space + 60-inch access aisle (car) or 96-inch access aisle (van)\n- Actual measurements: [DIMENSIONS]\n- The space therefore does not legally qualify as an accessible parking space.\n\nEnclosed:\n1. Placard photo on [DATE] (Exhibit A)\n2. Placard registration certificate (Exhibit B)\n3. [If applicable] Photographs and measurements of space (Exhibit C)\n\nDismissal respectfully requested.\n\n[NAME]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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- HRS §291-51 to §291-53
- ADA — 42 USC 12101 et seq.
- ADAAG 2010 Standards §502
- Honolulu CSD