SCR 19: Requesting the department of education to make available RECREATIONAL FACILITIES to the public during non-peak HOURS and non-school days.

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

Requesting the department of education to make available RECREATIONAL FACILITIES to the public during non-peak HOURS and non-school days.

     WHEREAS, as of 2021, twenty-nine percent of United States residents do not live within walkable distance of a recreational amenity or local park; and

     WHEREAS, according to a recent survey, eighty-seven percent of people want their local and state governments to ensure equitable access to park and recreation amenities; and

     WHEREAS, residents of Hawaii face similar challenges accessing public recreational facilities including pools, gyms, and fields; and

     WHEREAS, the lack of access to public recreational facilities directly mirrors income inequality, with rural and low-income communities within the State facing the greatest barriers to participating in physical activities; and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to chapter 39, Hawaii Administrative Rules, Hawaii's public school facilities are required to be available for public use as long as the requested activities do not interfere with normal school operations, and require an online application to be completed at least ten days prior to the requested date of use; and

     WHEREAS, this body finds that the State should expand access for unrestricted use of public school facilities to address inequity in public recreation facility access; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Education is requested to open public school recreational facilities for public use during non-peak hours and non-school use days; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education.

Report Title: 

DOE; Public Recreation Facilities; Public Access