Obtaining a disabled placard that allows you first-class parking privileges in those convenient handicap spaces is a relatively easy process in Hawaii. But you will need to meet some basic requirements to be able to hang one from the rearview mirror of your vehicle (or the vehicle of the person driving you around town).

Generally, if you can fit into one of the following five categories, you will qualify:

• Cannot walk more than 200 feet without pausing to rest.

• Have a heart condition that affects your ability to walk far.

• Need mechanical assistance to walk.

• Have a respiratory illness.

• Lug around portable oxygen.

Top Application Procedures

The fines for parking in a reserved handicap parking space without a disabled placard or license plate are pretty steep. And abusing the placards or license plates by parking in such a space without a disabled person either driving or in the car will also net you a citation (and bad karma).

First-time applicants for a handicap placard or license plates will need to make an appearance in person at one of the specific county offices located on each island. The same goes for those seeking a replacement placard due to it being lost, stolen, or damaged.

Before you visit a county office, a physician licensed to practice in the state of Hawaii must substantiate your impairment. This involves a trip to the doctor with the parking permit application (the state provides an instruction sheet for filling out this application).

If you are incapacitated to the point where you cannot appear in person at a county office to apply, the doctor will need to also note this. Once the physician fills out the appropriate sections on the application, you will have 60 days to obtain the placard.

Once the doctor visit is squared away, you will be just a county office visit away from having the placards. See below for a list of offices on each island. Make sure to bring along a completed parking permit application and proper proof of identity.

Note: If you opt to also apply for disabled license plates (available to those with permanent disabilities only), you will need to make sure that your vehicle information is detailed on the application form.

Acceptable Identification

All documents must be current.

• Driver's license

• State ID card

• Passport

• Military ID card

• Student ID card

• Senior citizen ID card

• ID of parent or guardian (if a minor)

• Social Security card

• Medicare card

• Appropriate notarized affidavit

Top Temporary Placards

Those finding themselves on the wrong side of the surfboard also have options while in healing mode. The state can issue a short-term disability parking permit if you are on the mend and could benefit from a cut in the distance between your vehicle and entrances. Of course, this service does not extend only to the rip curl crowd―any doctor-certified disabling injury is eligible.

Anyone finding themselves in a tough (but temporary) health situation and trying to get around via crutches or a wheelchair will want to take this route. Placards are available in one- to six-month increments. If you need more time, you can ask for an extension up to six months (you'll need another doctor's certification). There is a $10 fee for a temporary placard.

Top Renewing a Placard

Once you are set with your first permanent placard, you have the opportunity of renewing it by mail when it expires in four years. You will again have to get the signature of a physician for the next go-around, even if your disability was already listed as permanent.

You'll need to fill out the standard application and check the renewal box, and your doctor will need to fill out the physician's portion. Mail in your form to the appropriate address listed below. If you would prefer to renew in person, you also have that option.

Top Island Offices

Hawaii (Big Island)

• Mayor's Office

• Hanama Place

• Suite 103

• 75-5706 Kuakini Highway

• Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

• Phone: (808) 329-5226

• Aupuni Center

• 101 Pauahi St.

• Suite 8

• Hilo, HI 96720

• Phone: (808) 961-8005

Kauai

• Finance Department

• Driver's License Division

• 4444 Rice St.

• Building A, Room 480

• Lihue, HI 96766

• Phone: (808) 241-6550

Maui

• Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing

• Maui Mall

• 70 East Kaahumanu Ave.

• Kahului, HI 96732

• Phone: (808) 270-7363

Molokai

• Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing

• Public Works Building

• 100 Ailoa St.

• Kanuakakai, HI 96748

• Phone: (808) 553-3430

Lanai

• Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing

• County Gymnasium

• 717 Fraser Ave.

• Lanai City, HI 96763

• Phone: (808) 565-7878

Oahu

• All satellite City Hall locations.

Top Travelers

Many disabled folks worry that mainland states will not accept their Hawaii disability parking placard. However, a Hawaii placard is valid in other states as long as it is current and the disabled person is driving or is a passenger in the vehicle. Just make sure to bring along the actual placard and not a photocopy, and you are set. Also, Hawaii honors out-of-state placards that are current.

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