HI SCR194

Urges the City and County of Honolulu to establish an accessible public playground designed specifically for visually impaired children to safely explore their environment and interact with families and friends.

Notes that approximately 60,000 children under age 18 were legally blind and 460,000 suffered from severe vision difficulties as of 2011, with 1.2 percent of Hawaii's population eligible for Blind and Disabled Supplemental Security Income.

Identifies required playground design accommodations for blind children including ramps, detectable warning tiles, rubber surfaces, bucket swing seats, railings, crawl tubes, and ground features.

Highlights that Hawaii is one of only seven states without a dedicated playground for disabled children, while nearly every other state and territory has designed or planned at least one inclusive playground.

Requires certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Department of Accounting and General Services, Honolulu City Council, Mayor, and City Clerk.