HCR 17: urging the department of parks and recreation of the city and county of honolulu to improve the safety, accessibility, and variety of playground features of playgrounds at all city and county of honolulu PARKS.

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

urging the department of parks and recreation of the city and county of honolulu to improve the safety, accessibility, and variety of playground features of playgrounds at all city and county of honolulu PARKS.

     WHEREAS, active play is vital for childhood development, as it helps children create, explore, and imagine, which in turns helps their brains develop, builds important creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and contributes to their emotional well-being; and

     WHEREAS, active play also encourages children to develop motor skills and develop healthy lifestyle habits; and

     WHEREAS, playgrounds provide a safe space for children of all income levels to engage in active play with others, which allows children to learn how to interact in a group and helps forge strong social connections; and

     WHEREAS, modern playgrounds on the continental United States increasingly provide inclusive equipment, nature‑based play structures, and adaptive features that allow children of all abilities to participate; and

     WHEREAS, many playgrounds in the City and County of Honolulu lack these amenities, contain aging or outdated equipment and limited shade and seating options, and lack accessible play structures; and

     WHEREAS, outdated playgrounds can negatively impact children's physical activity levels, limit opportunities for outdoor learning and socialization, and may increase the risk of injury due to equipment wear or inadequate safety surfacing; and

     WHEREAS, high‑quality, safe, and inclusive playgrounds contribute to community well‑being, promote equitable access to recreation, and support families by providing essential public spaces that encourage healthy lifestyles; 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 the Department of Parks and Recreation of the City and County of Honolulu is urged to improve the safety, accessibility, and variety of playground features of playgrounds at all City and County of Honolulu parks; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu and Director of Parks and Recreation of the City and County of Honolulu.

Report Title: 

Playgrounds; City & County of Honolulu; Parks and Recreation