HI SB3291

Authorizes $30,000,000 in general obligation bonds for fiscal year 2026-2027 to rehabilitate the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, which has been closed since 1979 due to safety concerns and structural degradation.

Funds will assist War Memorials of Hawaii Inc. with land acquisition, rehabilitation of the natatorium and war memorial complex, and planning, design, and construction of a new war memorial center.

Hawaii Community Development Authority must assist with developing a conceptual master plan, negotiating a master lease with the Board of Land and Natural Resources and City and County of Honolulu, and financing the project.

The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, built in 1927, is a National Register of Historic Places landmark honoring approximately 10,000 Hawaii residents who served in World War I.

Appropriated funds that remain unencumbered by June 30, 2028 will lapse; the Act takes effect July 1, 2026.