HI HCR34

Urges the Division of State Parks to assess potentially hazardous ocean conditions at beach parks before undertaking access improvements that would increase public use.

Requires safety assessments to include input from local residents, medical data from emergency services, and recommendations on whether lifeguards are necessary or if improved access should be limited or avoided.

Directs the Division to provide information about hazardous conditions at state beach parks on its website and in printed materials.

Cites Kua Bay as a case study where 2005 access improvements increased usage among inexperienced ocean users, resulting in three drownings and 28 emergency calls since 2013, despite known rip tides and dangerous conditions.

Notes that drownings at state beach parks accounted for 5% of fatal injuries for Hawaii residents and 49% for non-residents between 2010 and 2014.