When looking to get registered for a parking permit in Hawaii, one of the first and most important questions usually asked is what does it take to qualify for a handicapped parking permit? In order to apply and receive your permit you must first understand what conditions are recognized as qualifying for a permit to ensure that you are able to have access to the facilities you need to make you life just a little bit easier.

Filing the application

Before you consider whether you apply for a parking permit, it is important to understand that there is some level of involvement that you must be prepared for when considering applying for a permit. Filing paperwork, consulting your doctor, getting registered, and many other time-consuming expenses go into getting your permit, so it is important to make sure that you do your research before pursuing a parking permit. In the state of Hawaii, anyone looking to apply for a parking permit is required to complete a Person with a Disability Parking Permit, or a PA2 form. BY completing this form you are providing information to the Department if Motor Vehicles regarding which status and permit you are looking to receive.

Consulting a doctor

With disability permits requiring a physician consultation, it is important to understand that in states like Hawaii it is required for you to have a doctor to certify any disability you may have to ensure that you do in fact need a disability parking permit. By understanding what Qualifies you for disability parking you can better understand if you should consider pursing a doctor’s certification to obtain your parking permit. Finding a doctor to certify that you do in fact need a parking permit can be done online or in person at a licensed medical facility.

Who qualifies?

When considering what disability you or someone you know is living with, it is important to understand what the state of Hawaii recognizes as a disability that warrants a special permit. While some disabilities may seem like they wouldn’t be applicable for a parking permit, there are some unique circumstances that are outlined as warranting a special pass. To help understand what it takes to qualify, the Hawaii DMV has made a comprehensive list of what they consider to be disabilities that will allow for the recipient to qualify for a special parking permit that will be discussed next.

Walking difficulty

Whether it is due to age or a medical condition that prevents you from walking 200 feet without a cane or without stopping to rest, having a parking spot that is in closer proximity to your destination will not only save you time, but it will also allow you to not have to expend too much energy for a fairly common activity. Depending on the severity of the condition a doctor can determine if your condition and its affect in your everyday life is enough to call for a parking pass. This is probably the most common case seen for handicapped passes and has many instances that it applies to.

Portable oxygen tank

For people with diseases or conditions that require the use of an external oxygen tank, such as CPAP, COPD, emphysema, or other respiratory diseases, an oxygen tank is essential to ensure a sustainable quality of life and can often make everyday activities seem like highly difficult and strenuous chores that impede the ease of movement due to the extra weight and size that the oxygen tanks provide. If you or someone you know must utilize an oxygen tank for everyday life it is highly likely that you will qualify for a parking pass. Other breathing difficulties and lung diseases are also recognized as warranting a disability parking permit.

Class III and IV heart conditions

With the rate of heart disease growing rapidly in America, more people than ever are applying for parking permits due to the strain that long bursts of walking can have on their body due to their hearts inability to efficiently pump blood. With chronic illnesses and various forms of heart disabilities being eligible for disability services it is important to understand which conditions you are suffering from to ensure that you are able to be compensated for a disability that often goes unseen but can make life much more difficult. The class 3 and 4 heart conditions that cause fatigue and limit physical exertion are the primary cases for permit distribution.

Vascular, oncologic, renal, neurological, orthopedic or arthritic conditions

Unlike walking disabilities or oxygen machines that are clearly visible, these complex internal injuries are invisible but can create an incredible burden for those who suffer from them. By having a doctor analyze your medical records and determine the disabilities you suffer from as a result of whatever internal illness you face. Whether it inhibits your ability to walk longer distances or just causes you to suffer from a lack of energy, you may qualify for a parking permit.

Military injuries

If you or someone you know was injured as a result of a military liable accident in combat, then you also apply for a special kind of disability designation. Unlike the other diseases that require approval from a registered physician to ensure the legitimacy of a disease, the veteran disability recognition requires a certificate from the Veteran’s Administration that must be obtained to allow you to receive the benefits of a medically issued permit.

Conclusion

Whether you have had a history of disabilities as a result of a medical illness or have served our country and suffered from a war-related injury, there are many instances in which you could qualify for a special parking permit to assist you when you are out in public. After understanding the qualifications and regulations that Hawaii recognizes as warranting a parking permit, you are one step closer to obtaining and utilizing a parking permit to make your life just a little bit easier.