Requesting The Department Of Education To Make Available Recreational Facilities To The Public During Non-peak Hours And Non-school Days.
Impact
The resolution aims to expand the availability of public school facilities for community use, addressing the inequity faced by rural and low-income populations in Hawaii. By facilitating the use of school recreational facilities, SCR19 seeks to promote healthier lifestyles and enhance community engagement in physical activities. This initiative aligns with broader state goals to ensure equitable access to public amenities, which is critical in combating income inequality and fostering community well-being.
Summary
SCR19 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced in the 2025 Regular Session of Hawaii's Thirty-third Legislature, urging the Department of Education to make public recreational facilities more accessible to the general public during non-peak hours and non-school days. The bill recognizes the pressing issue of accessibility to recreational amenities, particularly highlighting that 29% of U.S. residents do not live within a walking distance of a park or recreational facility. This lack of access is a significant barrier to physical activity for many, especially in underserved areas.
Contention
While the bill reflects significant community needs, potential contention may arise regarding the resources required to implement these changes. Concerns may include how to balance facility maintenance, security during non-school hours, and the potential for increased demand on school facilities. Stakeholders may debate the feasibility of managing public access without disrupting the primary educational purpose of these spaces. The resolution, therefore, represents both an opportunity for improved public service and a challenge in operationalizing its objectives effectively.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Contract With A Qualified Nonprofit Organization To Establish Aquatic Safety Education Programs In Certain Department Of Education Schools.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Behavioral Health Curricula Plan For Public School Students In Grades Kindergarten Through Twelve.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Contract With A Qualified Nonprofit Organization To Establish Aquatic Safety Education Programs In Certain Department Of Education Schools.
Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Provide Menstrual Products At No Cost In State Buildings Under The Jurisdiction Of The Department Of Accounting And General Services That Are Open To The Public And Contain Public Restrooms.
Requesting The Board Of Education, In Partnership With The State Public Charter School Commission, To Submit A Report On Increasing Access To Stable, Suitable, And Affordable Facilities For Public Charter Schools.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Expanding The Jurisdiction Of All Public Schools To Include A Quarter-mile Radius Surrounding Each School.