HI SR53

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

Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders represent 27% of Hawaii's population but account for 36% of drowning deaths, while visitors comprise the majority of drowning victims despite being less than 15% of the daily population.

The resolution endorses the Hawaiʻi Water Safety Plan developed by the Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition, which calls for establishing centralized water safety authority, expanding Department of Health funding, and requiring safety signage and 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 education into school curricula, and ensuring compliance with federal pool safety standards.

The resolution urges the Governor and multiple state agencies (Health, Land and Natural Resources, Education, Hawaii Tourism Authority) along with county governments to collaborate on implementing the water safety plan.