HI HCR155

Hawaii ranks second in the nation for annual drowning fatalities per capita, with drowning being the leading cause of death for children ages 1-15 (26 children lost between 2019-2023) and the leading cause of injury-related visitor deaths.

Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders represent 27% of the state's population but account for 36% of drowning deaths, while visitors comprise less than 15% of the daily population yet make up the majority of drowning victims, with snorkeling causing 91% of visitor ocean drownings.

The resolution endorses the Hawaiʻi Water Safety Plan developed by the Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition, calling for establishing the Coalition as the centralized authority for drowning prevention, expanding Department of Health funding, and requiring warning signage and safety equipment at pools and flood control structures.

Key recommendations include supporting free swimming lessons for all children, building public pools in underserved communities, integrating swim lessons into school curricula, and ensuring compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

The Legislature urges the Governor, Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Education, Hawaii Tourism Authority, and counties to collaborate with the Coalition to implement the Water Safety Plan.