INTERPRETIVE OPINION

Pursuant to §103-50, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), all buildings and facilities constructed by, or on behalf of the State or any county, shall conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and amendments. In accordance to HRS §103-50 and Chapter 11-217, Hawaii Administrative Rules, the Disability and Communication Access Board has authority to issue interpretive opinions to HRS §103-50 design standards.

Docket: DCAB 2007-01 AAC 52.552 states: An accessible reception counter shall be provided (with a maximum height of between 28 inches and 34 inches) when a reception counter exceeding 36 inches is available to the general public. It is requested that Interpretive Opinion AAC 93-52.552 be rescinded.

Summary: As it can be argued that a ‘reception counter’ is a type of ‘service counter’ or ‘information counter’ there appears to be conflict between the height requirement of the Interpretive Opinion AAC 93-52.552 and ADAAG Section 7.2(2).

Ruling: For buildings or facilities subject to HRS §103-50,

ADAAG Section 7.2(2) Sales and Service Counters, Teller Windows, Information Counters.

Rescind Interpretive Opinion AAC 93-52.552.

[Rul: 11/14/2007] (Auth and Imp: HRS §103-50)

If you have any questions or comments regarding this ruling, please call us at 586-8121.

DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD