Supporting The Findings And Recommendations Of The Hawaii Water Safety Coalition's Hawaii Water Safety Plan.
Impact
The Hawaii Water Safety Coalition (HWSC), formed in 2023, has developed the Hawaii Water Safety Plan (HWSP) as a means to establish a comprehensive and evidence-driven approach towards drowning prevention. SCR55 supports the HWSP's recommendations, which call for systematic changes in water safety protocols, funding for health initiatives aimed at drowning prevention, and increased access to swimming education. This will help align Hawaii with national and international safety standards and improve public health outcomes, especially for the most vulnerable populations.
Summary
SCR55, titled 'Supporting The Findings And Recommendations Of The Hawaii Water Safety Coalition's Hawaii Water Safety Plan,' addresses the alarming drowning crisis in Hawaii, where drowning fatalities are second only to Alaska per one million residents. The bill highlights the disproportionate impact of drowning on Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, as well as the significant risk of drowning for visitors, especially in snorkeling incidents. The resolution acknowledges these factors while emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent drowning deaths and injuries, particularly among children, who are particularly vulnerable.
Contention
Notably, one point of contention surrounding SCR55 could be the allocation of resources toward drowning prevention, particularly in terms of addressing disparities in access to swimming education and safety measures in underserved communities. While the plan proposes widespread initiatives to improve water safety, it may raise concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing these measures effectively in low-resource areas. Another concern is how the integration of this plan into existing local regulations may affect current protocols established by community leaders and organizations.
Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.
Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.
Requesting The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Develop And Implement A Water Access Pilot Project Demonstrating The Kohala Region's Capacity For A Potable Water System.