Baby Diaper-Changing Accommodations Bill on Agenda

Diaper changing station. Photo by Wendy Osher.

A Maui Council committee will consider a bill that would require baby diaper-changing accommodations in certain new establishments.

Housing, Human Services and Transportation committee chair Stacy Crivello said the item surfaces for review on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.

The baby diaper-changing accommodations bill was introduced by West Maui Councilmember Elle Cochran.

The bill defines a “baby diaper-changing accommodation” as “a safe, sanitary and convenient baby diaper-changing station, deck, table or similar amenity installed or placed in a separate, designated location.” The accommodation may include stations, decks and tables in women’s and men’s restrooms or family restrooms.

“Diaper-changing accommodations are usually installed in women’s restrooms,” Crivello said. “The bill would require new establishments to also install an accommodation in the men’s room, or alternatively, to have a single accommodation accessible to both men and women.”

“The bill challenges the stereotype that only women need access to facilities to change a baby’s diaper, which in today’s cultural norm is inaccurate,” said Crivello.

Also on the agenda is a presentation on senior services by the county’s Office on Aging.

“I look forward to receiving information on the many services the Office on Aging provides our community,” Crivello said. “Our seniors and care-giving community should be able to easily access county and nonprofit resources that support daily activities of living, whether through adult day care, chore services, legal assistance, Meals on Wheels, Kaunoa senior programs or transportation options,” said Crivello.

“As a demographic, our senior population is growing. It is important they know the county is working for them and they are not alone in facing aging-related concerns,” she said.

Testimony may be emailed to [email protected], referencing HHT-1(4) on Office on Aging and HHT-25 on the baby diaper-changing accommodations bill.