Hawaii House Bill HR39

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

If adopted, HR39 would potentially transform how public school facilities are utilized, allowing them to serve as community resources beyond educational needs. The resolution cites Chapter 39 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules, which allows for public use of school facilities as long as such use does not interfere with school operations. By expanding access to these facilities, HR39 aims to improve participation in physical activities, particularly for residents who currently face significant barriers.

Summary

House Resolution 39 (HR39) requests that the Department of Education in Hawaii make public school recreational facilities available to the public during non-peak hours and on non-school days. The resolution highlights the fact that as of 2021, many residents in the United States lack access to recreational amenities and that access issues are compounded for rural and low-income communities. The initiative is driven by the desire to ensure equitable access to parks and recreational facilities, which are essential for promoting health and well-being within communities.

Contention

While HR39 is intended to address the inequity in access to recreational resources, there may be concerns regarding the operational implications for schools. Ensuring that public use does not interfere with educational activities is critical. Stakeholders might debate the effectiveness of using school facilities for community recreation, as well as issues of liability, maintenance, and the potential for conflicts among groups seeking to use the same facilities.