STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1583

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 42

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.R. No. 42 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING COUNTIES TO INSTALL SPECIAL NEEDS RECREATIONAL PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT IN PARK PLAYGROUNDS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the counties of the State to install a minimal set of special needs recreational playground equipment in each playground located in a county park.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability and Communication Access Board, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Autism Moms of Kona, and three individuals.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committees find that there is a segment of the State's youth that are unable to use some playgrounds on county property. According to testimony received by your Committees, this measure could provide many benefits as it not only supports physical activity for sensory and nervous system regulation and encourages functional speech and communication through naturalistic play, but also encourages the inclusion and integration of youth with disabilities and their caregivers in the communities. This measure aims to ensure equal access for all of Hawaii's youth at each playground in a county park.

Your Committees note the Legislature's commitment to the inclusion of youth with disabilities in important socialization events and believe that it is not only important to ensure equal access of these formative recreational areas but to also ensure their long-term safety, cleanliness, and functionality. Your Committees further note concerns from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center regarding the potential costs to ensure that all county parks comply with the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. Amendments to this measure are therefore necessary to address these issues.

Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Expanding the scope of the measure to apply to youths with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities, instead of only youth with physical disabilities;

(2) Replacing the phrase "special needs recreational playground equipment" with "accessible recreational playground equipment";

(3) Urging the counties to establish comprehensive maintenance plans that ensure the long-term safety, cleanliness, and functionality of each playground;

(4) Requesting the counties' comprehensive maintenance plans to include certain key components relating to regular inspections, preventive maintenance, cleaning and sanitation, accessibility assurance, emergency repairs, and community engagements;

(5) Requesting the Department of Education and the Department of Accounting and General Services 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;

(6) Amending its title accordingly; and

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

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 42, as amended herein, and recommend its adoption in the form attached hereto as S.R. No. 42, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services,

________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair

________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair