Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR97

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  

Caption

Urging The Division Of State Parks Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Task Force To Improve State Parks, And To Develop Appropriate Branding And Narratives For Parks, Landmarks, And Other Significant Places Throughout The State.

Impact

The proposed task force is expected to assess current park infrastructure and experiences while proposing strategies to elevate them based on best practices observed in national parks. By focusing on branding and storytelling, the task force aims to educate visitors about the cultural and historical importance of these areas, which could not only enhance tourism but also strengthen local stewardship and community connection to these natural resources. The expected outcomes could lead to increased revenue generation through branded merchandise and improved visitor services.

Summary

Senate Resolution 97 urges the Division of State Parks of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to convene a task force aimed at enhancing the state's parks and developing appropriate branding and narratives for significant locations throughout Hawaii. This initiative emphasizes the critical role that state parks, landmarks, and landscapes play in representing the state's identity, culture, history, and economy. The resolution outlines a vision of improving park facilities to meet or exceed national standards while fostering a better experience for visitors and residents alike.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR97 suggests a positive outlook towards enriching the state's park experiences and enhancing identity through branding efforts. Supporters see this initiative as a crucial step toward elevating Hawaii's parks to a prestigious status similar to highly regarded national parks. The community appears supportive of efforts to unify the presentation of Hawaii's cultural narratives and enhance visitor engagement.

Contention

While there is broad support for the resolution, some points of contention may arise regarding the representation of cultural narratives and the balance between commercialization and preservation of the natural environment. Ensuring that branding initiatives correctly reflect the diverse cultural heritage and community identity of Hawaii will be essential to the task force's success. The resolution reaffirms the need for inclusivity in representing Hawaii's unique attributes while implementing strategies for sustainable park management.

Companion Bills

HI SCR103

Same As Urging The Division Of State Parks Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Task Force To Improve State Parks, And To Develop Appropriate Branding And Narratives For Parks, Landmarks, And Other Significant Places Throughout The State.

Previously Filed As

HI SR215

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services, Department Of Land And Natural Resources, And The City And County Of Honolulu Department Of Parks And Recreation To Provide Universal Changing Accommodations In All State Facilities, State Parks, And City And County Parks.

HI SCR239

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services, Department Of Land And Natural Resources, And The City And County Of Honolulu Department Of Parks And Recreation To Provide Universal Changing Accommodations In All State Facilities, State Parks, And City And County Parks.

HI SR143

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Other State Agencies To Work With Committed Community Groups To Co-steward Community Forests Located On Public Lands For The Betterment Of The State's Forests And Communities.

HI SR27

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources Division Of Forestry And Wildlife To Prioritize The Restoration And Protection Of Additional Wetlands And Anchialine Pools.

HI SCR174

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Other State Agencies To Work With Committed Community Groups To Co-steward Community Forests Located On Public Lands For The Betterment Of The State's Forests And Communities.

HI HCR40

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Other State Agencies To Work With Committed Community Groups To Co-steward Community Forests Located On Public Lands For The Betterment Of The State's Forests And Communities.

HI SR131

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Establish A Program That Enhances Accessibility And Recreational Opportunities In State Park Wilderness, Trails, And Facilities Within The County Of Maui.

HI HR35

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Other State Agencies To Work With Committed Community Groups To Co-steward Community Forests Located On Public Lands For The Betterment Of The State's Forests And Communities.

HI SCR42

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources Division Of Forestry And Wildlife To Prioritize The Restoration And Protection Of Additional Wetlands And Anchialine Pools.

HI SR188

Urging The Board Of Land And Natural Resources To Not Approve Any New Land Disposition Or Renew Any Land Disposition To The United States Military That Allows For Or Facilitates Any Military Training Activities On State-owned Lands.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.