Hawaii House Bill HCR46

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Make Available Recreational Facilities To The Public During Non-peak Hours And Non-school Days.

Impact

The push for broader access to recreational facilities is set against the backdrop of a stark reality where a significant percentage of U.S. residents do not live within walking distance of parks or recreational venues. The bill recognizes the direct correlation between inadequate access to these facilities and income inequality, particularly affecting rural and low-income areas in Hawaii. Proponents argue that making these facilities more accessible would encourage physical activity and enhance community well-being.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 46 (HCR46) requests the Department of Education in Hawaii to make public school recreational facilities available to the community during non-peak hours and on non-school days. This initiative aims to address the issue of access to recreational amenities, highlighting the need for equitable access in light of current social disparities. The resolution points to surveys showing that a significant portion of residents wish for local and state governments to ensure availability of recreational resources.

Contention

Discussions around HCR46 may center on the logistics of implementing this request, including how it might affect the normal operations of schools. There may also be concerns regarding the costs associated with maintaining these facilities, ensuring supervision during public access hours, and the potential need for establishing new regulations or policies that align with this initiative. The resolution suggests a significant shift in how public school resources are used, which could lead to debates on prioritizing educational versus community recreational needs.