HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	73
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the planning department of each county to establish kupuna-friendly building permit requirements for parking accessibility and private businesses operating hours.

 

 

     WHEREAS, parking is a foundational access issue for people with disabilities and older adults, with inadequate parking availability increasing safety risks, including falls and injuries; and

 

     WHEREAS, when accessible and van accessible parking spaces are insufficient, kupuna with mobility disabilities are effectively excluded from participating in community life, accessing services, and engaging in employment, commerce, and civic activities; and

 

     WHEREAS, according to the Disability and Communications Access Board, individuals that qualify for accessible parking spaces often cannot find available parking spaces that accommodate their needs; and

 

     WHEREAS, additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many stores adjusted their hours for kupuna and customers with vulnerable immune systems, which successfully allowed greater access to goods and services for kupuna; and

 

     WHEREAS, it is critical for the State to increase opportunities for kupuna to participate in the community and access necessary goods and services; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the planning department of each county is requested to establish kupuna-friendly building permit requirements to plan for the State's aging population that:

 

     (1)  Require private businesses and malls to accommodate special hours for kupuna to enter; and

 

     (2)  Increase the minimum number of parking spaces designated for non-disabled and disabled kupuna; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of each county, members of each County Council, and Planning Director of each county's planning department.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

County Planning; Building Permits; Kupuna; Parking; Operating Hours