In 1996, the Harris administration was sued for failing to provide wheelchair curb cuts and ramps for the disabled as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. As a result, the city agreed to build 3,068 curb ramps in two years beginning in 1999, but at the end of that time, only 99 ramps had been installed. On June 15, 2001 the city was back in federal court for failure to comply. Of course, City Managing Director Ben Lee had a million excuses. But, isn't it interesting how the same Harris team could build a new bandstand at Kapiolani Park, numerous fake waterfalls and tide pools and a new police station at Kuhio Beach Park and much more at light speed all before the 2000 election. Let's face it, disabled folks don't really make up a very large voter block and anyway whoever heard of a grand opening celebration for a wheelchair ramp!Honolulu Weekly cartoon 6-20-2001
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