STAND. COM. REP. NO. 237

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 867

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 867 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to enhance the inclusion of physically disabled youth in important socialization activities by:

(1) Requiring by June 30, 2027, all playgrounds located in state parks and on public school grounds to have a minimal set of special needs recreational playground equipment, including a wheelchair accessible swing set; and

(2) Appropriating funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Education to purchase and install special needs recreational playground equipment.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities; Hawaii Disability Rights Center; Hawaii Self-Advocacy Advisory Council; and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance; Department of Education; Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of State Parks; and Disability and Communication Access Board.

Your Committee finds that accessible recreational spaces are essential for the physical, social, and emotional development of all children, including those with disabilities. Currently, many state parks and public school playgrounds lack equipment that accommodates physically disabled youth, limiting their ability to engage in play, interact with peers, and participate fully in their communities. Ensuring that playgrounds include disability-compatible equipment will promote inclusivity and foster an environment where all children can enjoy recreation and socialization.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Beginning on June 30, 2030, requiring all new playgrounds constructed in state parks and public schools to include accessible recreational equipment, rather than requiring the installation of accessible recreational equipment in all playgrounds located in state parks and public schools by June 30, 2027;

(2) Changing all references from "special needs recreational playground equipment" to "accessible recreational playground equipment";

(3) Removing the requirement that playgrounds include a wheelchair accessible swing set;

(4) Renaming the special fund created by this measure the "Accessible Recreational Playground Equipment Special Fund";

(5) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(6) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 867, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 867, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Education.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair