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Bill Summary · SB 3191

Legislative bill overview

SB 3191 proposes establishing a new Department of Water Safety and Drowning Prevention in Hawaii. The bill would create a dedicated state agency focused on reducing water-related deaths and injuries through prevention programs, public education, and coordination of water safety initiatives across the state.

Why is this important

Hawaii has unique water safety challenges given its island geography, tourism industry, and year-round water activities. Drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional injury death, particularly among children and certain demographic groups. A dedicated department could streamline water safety efforts, improve data collection, and potentially save lives through coordinated prevention strategies.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and bureaucracy: Creating a new state department requires funding and administrative overhead; critics may question whether consolidating existing water safety functions into an existing agency would be more efficient
  • Jurisdictional overlap: Water safety responsibilities already exist across multiple agencies (Parks, Health, Harbors); unclear how this new department would coordinate with or supersede existing authority
  • Implementation details: The bill's early stage means specifics are unclear—funding mechanisms, staffing levels, and specific programs remain undefined and could face significant debate

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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