Wheelchair Ramp

Kihei, HI: (Nov-12-07) Bob Bourbeau, a disabled resident of the Menehune Shores, brought a lawsuit against the Association of Apartment Owners of Menehune Shores and its manager, Asset Property Management Inc., alleging that they had not provided disability access at the premises. Bourbeau requires a wheelchair. He and his wife, Bessie, filed charges that the association and management group removed a wheelchair ramp to the facility without discussing the matter with them or warning them. The condominium association argued that a portable ramp provided an alternative access to the Bourbeaus' second-floor unit. But the Bourbeaus said the metal ramp was unsafe and was provided only on request.

In a settlement reached, the owners association agreed to pay $200,000 as well as maintain nondiscriminatory policies in the future. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission claimed that the settlement was reached after the issue was set for an administrative hearing before the commission. As part of the deal, the association will install a permanent ramp on the second floor; pay $200,000; provide fair housing training for board members and agents; and maintain policies and procedures on dealing with reasonable requests for accommodation for disabled individuals. [MAUI NEWS: WHEELCHAIR RAMP]

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Published on Nov-13-07