SR131

WHEREAS, individuals with disabilities face unique challenges when seeking to access and enjoy public lands, state parks, and wilderness areas; and

WHEREAS, the ability to connect with nature is a fundamental right that fosters physical well-being, mental health, and community inclusion; and

WHEREAS, accessible trail programs designed to enhance the experiences of disabled individuals in outdoor recreational areas have proven effective in fostering inclusivity, enriching lives, and promoting equity; and

WHEREAS, research demonstrates the positive impacts of programs such as the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Track-Chair Program, which makes adaptive equipment and accessible trails available to individuals having mobility impairments; and

WHEREAS, the Track-Chair Program has received widespread acclaim for improving physical and emotional health outcomes among participants and exemplifies a successful partnership between public funding and private sponsorship; and

WHEREAS, similarly, the Mount Shasta Trail Association in California has implemented a series of wheelchair-accessible wilderness trails, including widened paths, specially designed viewpoints, and signage for individuals having diverse disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Track-Chair Program and Mount Shasta Trail Association's series of wheelchair-accessible wilderness trails in California, among others, have significantly increased participation rates in wilderness activities for individuals having disabilities and have established a model for other states to emulate; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes that Hawaii is renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, and the State must ensure that its public lands are accessible to all residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature is committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their physical ability, have an equal opportunity to experience and benefit from Hawaii's unique natural landscapes; and

WHEREAS, establishing an inclusive program to enhance accessibility provides individuals with disabilities an opportunity to engage with Hawaii's diverse ecosystems while promoting equity and sustainability; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is urged to establish a program that enhances accessibility and recreational opportunities in state park wilderness, trails, and facilities within the County of Maui; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to research and incorporate best practices from successful accessibility programs, such as the programs in Colorado and California, in developing policies and infrastructure for state parks and trails within the County of Maui; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is encouraged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including disability advocacy organizations, community members, and private entities, to develop and effectively implement the program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to submit to the Legislature a report on the progress and proposed actions related to the program, including funding requirements and implementation locations and timelines; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Mayor of the County of Maui, and Chair of the County Council of Maui.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Department of Land and Natural Resources; County of Maui; Wilderness, Trails; Facilities; Accessibility; Report

THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	131
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII