SCR 94: endorsing waikiki as a world surfing reserve.

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

endorsing waikiki as a world surfing reserve.

     WHEREAS, Waikiki was a hub for Native Hawaiian surfers, such as Duke Kahanamoku, who helped to introduce and spread the sport of surfing to the rest of the world, and is often referred to today as the birthplace of the sport; and

     WHEREAS, surfing at Waikiki and throughout the rest of the State has a meaning beyond just that of a sport; wave-riding and surfboard-crafting were and continue to be cultural artforms that preserve Native Hawaiian heritage and promote values of respect for and connection with the environment; and

     WHEREAS, Waikiki is already considered a world-renowned surf zone, home to multiple annual surf competitions and more than a dozen popular surf breaks that offer a wide variety of waves for surfers of all skill levels year-round; and

     WHEREAS, Waikiki is also located at the base of an ecologically rich watershed that supports important natural resources and is home to multiple protected species, including the Green Sea Turtle and the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal; and

     WHEREAS, Waikiki is simultaneously the State's largest tourist destination, contributing millions of dollars to state GDP year over year through direct, indirect, and induced impacts, with surfing being one of the main attractions; and

     WHEREAS, there is a direct and clear connection between the environmental health and economic resilience of Waikiki, thus illustrating the economic justification for protecting the natural resources that sustain the economy; and

     WHEREAS, Waikiki's surf sites are threatened by the impacts of climate change, including coral bleaching and floods that wash pollution into the ocean; and

     WHEREAS, Waikiki has a thorough legal framework in place for its preservation and long-term support, including the managerial oversight of the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association and focused coordination of the Waikiki Beach Community Advisory Committee; and

     WHEREAS, the World Surfing Reserves is a program created by the Save the Waves Coalition for the identification, designation, and preservation of the world's most outstanding surf zones and their surrounding environments; and

     WHEREAS, recognizing Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve would raise awareness and accelerate the efforts of the local community and stakeholders who are already working to protect and manage Waikiki's surfing ecosystem from recognized threats and to honor the unique Hawaiian contribution to the history of surfing; and

     WHEREAS, Waikiki more than meets the minimum criteria required by the Save the Waves Coalition to qualify as a World Surfing Reserve; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that this body endorses the recognition of Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve because Waikiki more than meets the qualifying criteria of being a globally significant surf spot, with an outstanding series of surf breaks, unique environmental characteristics with clear avenues to protect them, a rich surf culture and history, strong community support and capacity, and a priority conservation area; 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, and Board of Directors of the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association.

Report Title: 

Waikiki; World Surfing Reserve