There is established a disability and communication access board within the department of health for administrative purposes, to be composed of seventeen members to be appointed by the governor for staggered terms pursuant to § 26-34. The members of the board shall include at least nine persons with various types of disabilities, or parents or guardians of persons with disabilities. Other members shall include individuals knowledgeable in areas for which the board has rulemaking authority. The members appointed shall include at least one resident from each of the counties of Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.

The members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed their necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, including travel expenses.