A Guide To Disabled Parking In Hawaii

Although the state of Hawaii is known for having a more laid-back vibe, they’re still pretty strict about their disabled parking regulations. In order to make sure you’re adhering to all of the state guidelines, do your research ahead of time, fill out your application completely, and then use your Hawaii handicap parking permit correctly to take full advantage of your permit. If you’re wondering how to get a disabled parking permit in Hawaii or how to use your permit once you have it, here’s a handy guide you can refer to throughout the process.

Hawaii’s Department of Health has a separate entity to deal with disabled drivers called the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB). This is the organization that can help you get a disabled parking permit in Hawaii. You can head to their website if you have any initial questions about the application process. Now, here’s what you need to know to get started.

Step 1: Get your application.

You can get your Parking Permit Application Form on the DCAB website. First, fill out the section with your personal information (including your name, address, date of birth, weight, email address, telephone number, etc.). You’ll also need to indicate which type of permit you want. There are long-term placards for people with permanent disabilities (available at no cost) and temporary placards that are valid for six months and are for individuals who won’t need a placard forever. A temporary placard will cost you $12. There’s also the option of getting a special disabled license plate for your vehicle if you have a long-term disability. Finally, you’ll need to sign and date the application.

Step 2: Get medically certified.

In order to qualify for a Hawaii disabled parking permit, you’ll need to have a medical condition that counts as a disability. These are classified as:

• Not being able to walk under your own power more than 200 feet without stopping to rest due to an arthritic, neurological, orthopedic, oncologic, renal, or vascular condition
• Being diagnosed with a respiratory disability, such that the forced respiratory expiratory volume for one second (when measured by spirometry) is less than one liter or that arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
• Being diagnosed with a heart condition with a Class III or Class IV classification as determined by the American Heart Association
• Not being able to walk without the use of, or assistance from: artificial lower limbs, braces, crutches, walkers, canes, another person, wheelchair, or other assistive device
• Requiring the use of portable oxygen

If you have a condition that significantly limits your mobility, your doctor can determine if you’re a good candidate for a disabled parking permit and which one you should get based on how long your disability is expected to last. You will need a licensed physician to help you complete the second page of your application. They’ll need to provide their name and mailing address, phone number, signature, type of medical license (MD, ND, DO, DPM, APRN), medical license number, and the date that the application was signed. This medical certification is a way to verify that you do have a disability and that you’re under this medical professional’s care for this disability. If you don’t have a medical professional who can help, you can use Dr. Handicap’s services. They can connect you virtually to a licensed doctor that can help you complete your application – without you ever having to leave your home!

To submit your completed application, you have to take it to an issuing state agency. You will need to show a valid ID at that time (which can be your driver’s license, state ID, passport, or senior citizen ID). After reviewing your application, the state agency will be able to issue a placard to you, along with an accompanying ID card that you should carry with you whenever you’re using your placard.

Step 3: Use your placard.

You’ll need to renew your long-term placard every six years. To do so, you’ll be required to fill out the application again, as well as become medically certified again. This time, you’ll need to mail in your completed form and wait for your renewed placard to arrive in the mail. The process to renew a temporary placard is exactly the same as the original one (and will need to be done when it expires every six months).

When you use your placard, remember to hang it from the rearview mirror as soon as you’re parked, and then remove it while the vehicle is in motion. It’s also important to remember that you are the only person permitted to use your placard – you cannot lend it out to friends and family, no matter what. You can get your permit revoked if you are using it inappropriately. Otherwise, whether you’re the driver or the passenger, you can use your placard for more accessibility while you’re out and about on the island. You also have the benefit of parking in any parking metered space for a maximum of two and a half hours (or the maximum amount of time the meter allows) without paying any fees at all.

If you have any additional questions about disabled parking in Hawaii, contact DCAB in person at one of their agencies or through their website. Having a Hawaii handicap parking permit will allow you to have more freedom and more convenient access to the places you love to go to in the Aloha State.