HCR 121: requesting Google Maps, Apple Maps, and similar digital mapping and navigation platforms to remove, modify, or restrict the public identification, labeling, and promotion of hazardous coastal features, including Mermaid Caves.

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

requesting Google Maps, Apple Maps, and similar digital mapping and navigation platforms to remove, modify, or restrict the public identification, labeling, and promotion of hazardous coastal features, including Mermaid Caves.

     WHEREAS, the State holds coastal lands and resources in trust for the benefit of present and future generations and recognizes the public's right of access to and along the shoreline; and

     WHEREAS, chapter 6D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, establishes protections for natural, cultural, and geological resources within Hawaii's caves and prohibits the removal of cave resources, pollution within caves, and disturbance of native organisms; and

     WHEREAS, these statutes reflect the State's commitment to the preservation of Hawaii's caves and similar cultural and natural resources; and

     WHEREAS, the State has a compelling interest in protecting public safety and preventing avoidable loss of life in areas presenting extreme and unavoidable natural hazards; and

     WHEREAS, certain confined coastal features, including sea caves and similar formations, are subject to sudden wave surge, unpredictable ocean conditions, limited visibility, and the absence of safe means of exit; and

     WHEREAS, the coastal cave formations along the Nanakuli coastline, commonly referred to as Mermaid Caves, have a documented history of serious injury, near drownings, and fatalities, resulting in repeated emergency response and rescue operations; and

     WHEREAS, Mermaid Caves and other hazardous coastal features have been identified and labeled as recreational destinations or points of interest on digital mapping and navigation platforms, contributing to increased visitation and unsafe access attempts by residents and visitors; and

     WHEREAS, members of the public often rely on digital mapping and navigation platforms for travel and recreation and may reasonably assume that labeled destinations are safe or appropriate for public access; and

     WHEREAS, the continued promotion of hazardous coastal features through these platforms undermines public safety, places additional strain on first responders and emergency services, and threatens the preservation and cultural value of these natural resources; and

     WHEREAS, digital mapping and navigation platforms maintain policies for allowing for the modification or removal of locations that pose safety risks when supported by credible information; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that Google Maps, Apple Maps, and similar digital mapping and navigation platforms are requested to remove, modify, or restrict the public identification, labeling, and promotion of hazardous coastal features, including Mermaid Caves; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any modification should include removal of recreational or point of interest designations and directions or guidance encouraging public access; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to coordinate with appropriate county agencies, emergency responders, and digital mapping and navigation platforms to provide documentation, safety data, and findings supporting requests for removal or modification of hazardous coastal features; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that nothing in this measure is intended to restrict lawful shoreline access, traditional and customary practices, news reporting, academic research, or historical reference; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, County of Hawaii, County of Kauai, and County of Maui; Chief Executive Officer of Google; and Chief Executive Officer of Apple.

Report Title: 

Hazardous Coastal Features; Mermaid Cave; Google Maps; Apple Maps