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Committee passes resolution to study accessible playgrounds after testimony from disability advocates
Summary
The committee approved SCR 58 on April 17, 2025, directing a working group led by DOE and DAGS to survey state playgrounds and recommend accessibility improvements following testimony from disability advocates and service organizations.
The House Committee on Economic Development voted to pass SCR 58 on April 17, 2025, directing the Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to lead a working group to study accessible recreational playground equipment across state-owned sites.
Disability advocates and state disability boards urged the committee to proceed. Brian Mick of the Disability and Communication Access Board told lawmakers that accessible playgrounds "help teach important lessons to all children and adults about the importance of being inclusive." Lou Ortechek of the Disability Rights Center said stakeholders lacked basic data about how many playgrounds exist and what equipment is present, and he supported a working group to gather that information.
Witnesses noted prior legislation (House Bill 867) that did not advance and said the amended resolution appropriately replaces the term "special needs recreational playground equipment" with "accessible recreational playground equipment." Samantha Gorham, an intern with the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, said the wording change signals a rights-based approach: everyone "deserves the same rights and access." Testimony also emphasized that many public playgrounds are county-owned and that the working group should inventory state facilities and consult stakeholders to identify recommended equipment and costs.
The committee adopted SCR 58 as drafted. The working group is intended to survey existing installations, estimate costs, and recommend standards so future policy or legislation can follow from a clear data baseline.
