HI SB3191

Establishes a new Department of Water Safety and Drowning Prevention as Hawaii's 20th principal executive department, headed by a director who may appoint a deputy director.

Requires the department to develop and maintain a statewide water safety strategic plan in consultation with the drowning and aquatic injury prevention advisory committee and the division of boating and ocean recreation.

Directs the department to coordinate with the Department of Education and county parks departments to streamline approval processes for using aquatics facilities and attract capital investment in pool development, maintenance, and drowning prevention programs.

Addresses Hawaii's status as having the second-highest resident drowning death rate nationally, with drowning being the leading cause of death for children and the leading cause of injury-related death for visitors.

Cites a 2018-2019 assessment finding only 2% of second graders have basic skills to avoid or recover from dangerous aquatic situations, with lower rates among low-income students.