THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	42
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

URGING the COUNTIES of the state TO INSTALL a minimum set of ACCESSIBLE RECREATIONAL PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT IN each playground located in a county park and to establish comprehensive maintenance plans that ensure the long-term safety, cleanliness, and functionality of each playground.

WHEREAS, playgrounds and free play provide many benefits to child development, youth, and communities; and

WHEREAS, accessible playgrounds for young people promote physical activity, encourage their imagination, boost their self-confidence and energy, and offer opportunities for formative social interactions; and

WHEREAS, there is a segment of the State's youth with disabilities that are unable to use some playgrounds located on county property; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature is committed to enhancing the inclusion of youth with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities in important socialization activities, including activities that occur at a playground; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the counties of the State are urged to install a minimal set of accessible recreational playground equipment in each playground located in a county park and establish comprehensive maintenance plans that ensure the long-term safety, cleanliness, and functionality of each playground; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the minimal set of accessible recreational playground equipment is requested to include a wheelchair accessible swing set; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all accessible recreational playground equipment installed in county parks comply with the standards set forth in the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design, or any successor or similar guidelines or standards governing accessibility standards for public facilities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the comprehensive maintenance plans requested to be established by the respective counties include the following key components:

(1) Regular Inspections: Conduct weekly or monthly inspections to assess the condition of equipment, surfacing, and amenities and identify potential hazards and maintain detailed logs of inspections;

(2) Preventive Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance and ensure safety surfacing remains intact and properly leveled;

(3) Cleaning and Sanitation: Implement a regular cleaning schedule to remove debris, sanitize equipment, and empty trash receptacles, and ensure playgrounds are well‑lit to deter illicit behavior and illegal activity, creating a safe environment;

(4) Accessibility Assurance: Ensure adequate accessibility for persons with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities;

(5) Emergency Repairs: Establish a rapid response system for reported damages and to mitigate issues; and

(6) Community Engagements: Work with the communities to establish a neighborhood security watch or volunteer patrol; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education and the Department of Accounting and General Services are requested to convene a working group that includes the counties to create an inventory of all existing and planned state and county playgrounds; identify different types of accessible recreational playground equipment, and the cost to purchase, install, and maintain such equipment; and provide recommendations for how the State and counties should add accessible recreational playground equipment into their existing or future playgrounds; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Comptroller, Superintendent of Education, and Mayor and Chairperson of each County Council of each county in the State.

Report Title:

Counties; Accessible Recreational Playground Equipment; County Parks; Comprehensive Maintenance Plan; DOE; DAGS; Working Group