Bill > SB1294

This bill requires all public playgrounds in state and county parks and on public school grounds to include special needs recreational playground equipment by June 30, 2027, with a minimum requirement of a wheelchair accessible swing set. The legislation, called the Right to PLAY Act, defines "special needs recreational playground equipment" as apparatuses that can be used by physically disabled youth, and mandates that such equipment comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. To support this initiative, the bill establishes a Special Needs Recreational Playground Equipment Special Fund, which will be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources and will receive legislative appropriations. The bill aims to enhance inclusion for physically disabled youth by ensuring they have access to recreational facilities, with specific funding allocated for state parks, public school grounds, and county parks across Hawaii (Honolulu, Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui). The legislation recognizes that a significant portion of the state's youth are physically disabled and may be unable to use traditional playground equipment, and seeks to address this barrier to social interaction and play. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving stakeholders time to plan and implement the necessary playground modifications.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1294&year=2026