WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SCR 162

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.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angus McKelvey

Urge DLNR to create an accessibility-focused Maui parks and trails program using best practices, stakeholder collaboration, and a 2026 progress report.

Referred to WTL/EIG.
#accessibility #countyofmaui #departmentoflandandnaturalresources #facilities #report #trails #wilderness
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 162

Summary of SCR 162 (2025)

Overview

SCR 162 is a concurrent resolution urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to establish a program that enhances accessibility and recreational opportunities in state park wilderness, trails, and facilities within Maui County. Introduced on March 7, 2025, and referred to the WTL/EIG committees, the resolution expresses legislative support for expanding access for people with disabilities and directs the DLNR to explore best practices and collaborate with stakeholders. It is a non-binding resolution that signals intent rather than mandating new law or funding.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize and address barriers to access for individuals with disabilities seeking to enjoy public lands, state parks, and wilderness areas.
  • Promote the right and opportunity to connect with nature as a pathway to physical health, mental well-being, and community inclusion.
  • Encourage development of an inclusive program in Maui County that enhances accessibility and recreational opportunities.

Key Provisions

  • Urges the DLNR to establish a program focused on accessibility and recreation in Maui’s state park wilderness areas, trails, and facilities.
  • Requires the DLNR to research and incorporate best practices from successful programs (e.g., Colorado Parks and Wildlife Track-Chair Program and California’s Mount Shasta Trail Association) when developing policies and infrastructure for Maui’s parks and trails.
  • Encourages collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including disability advocacy organizations, community members, and private entities, to develop and implement the program.
  • Requires a progress report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026. The report should cover progress, proposed actions, funding needs, implementation locations, and timelines.
  • Directs that a certified copy of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Mayor of Maui, and the Chair of Maui County Council.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
  • Secondary: Residents and visitors with disabilities, disability advocacy organizations, Maui County government, and potential private-sector partners involved in accessibility initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Referred to WTL/EIG (Water, Land, and Ocean Resources; Economics, Infrastructure, and Governmental Operations/Environment and Energy-related).
  • Report timeline: By 20 days before the 2026 Regular Session convening, the DLNR must submit a progress report detailing actions, funding needs, and implementation plans.
  • Related: Companion bill SR 131 (in the Senate).

Background and Rationale

The resolution cites established programs in other jurisdictions to illustrate successful models for accessibility:
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife Track-Chair Program, which provides adaptive equipment and accessible trails.
- Mount Shasta Trail Association’s wheelchair-accessible wilderness trails with widened paths and accessible viewpoints.
The measure frames these examples as models for promoting equity, participation, and inclusive outdoor experiences in Hawaii.

Potential Impact

  • Signals legislative support for making Maui’s parks and trails more accessible.
  • Could lead to DLNR adopting an accessibility-focused program, leveraging best practices and stakeholder collaboration.
  • May influence future budget considerations or appropriations to fund accessibility improvements, contingent on DLNR planning and legislative action.

Related Information

  • Sponsored by MCKELVEY (primary); companion SR 131.
  • Bill type: Concurrent resolution (non-binding, policy-oriented).

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

Sign in to ask a question.