THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	103
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

urging the division of state parks of the department of land and natural resources to convene A TASK FORCE TO IMPROVE STATE PARKS, AND to DEVELOP APPROPRIATE BRANDING AND NARRATIVES FOR PARKS, LANDMARKS, AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT PLACES THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

 

 

     WHEREAS, the State's parks, landmarks, and landscapes represent an important part of the State’s identity, history, culture, and economy; and

 

     WHEREAS, national parks in the United States and other nations are often recognized for providing the highest quality experience for their visitors and local residents, including providing appropriate and well-maintained infrastructure that blends into the surrounding environment; and

 

     WHEREAS, the National Park Service has successfully established a recognizable identity for national parks through consistent theming, interpretive storytelling, and artwork that reflects the natural, historical, and cultural significance of each location; and

 

     WHEREAS, other federal and state agencies have also developed impressive branding that has been monetized to raise revenue in support of their mission, such as California State Parks, which sells branded and themed merchandise in numerous locations, and NASA, which sells more branded merchandise than nearly any other public entity; and

 

     WHEREAS, place-based branding and storytelling can educate residents and visitors about the cultural, historical, and environmental significance of communities and public lands while strengthening stewardship and responsible visitation; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State's Division of State Parks has been making considerable efforts to improve the infrastructure, landscaping, and experience at existing parks, and to ensure park amenities are maintained at a level commensurate to or better than national best practices, innovations, and standards; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State has an opportunity to further improve park infrastructure, integration with the natural environment, and visitor experience, and to establish official branding and storytelling that appropriately represents the State's communities and public places while potentially generating revenue to support park maintenance, preservation, education, and visitor services; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Division of State Parks of the Department of Land and Natural Resources is urged to convene a task force to improve state parks, and to develop appropriate branding and narratives for parks, landmarks, and other significant places throughout the State; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to consist of the following members:

 

     (1)  The Administrator of the Division of State Parks of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, who is requested to serve as the Chairperson of the task force;

 

     (2)  The Administrator of the Business Development and Support Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism;

 

     (3)  A representative from the Hawaii Tourism Authority;

 

     (4)  A representative from the University of Hawaii Community Design Center;

 

     (5)  A member with specialized expertise to serve in a cultural advisory capacity;

 

     (6)  The Chairpersons of the Standing Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives having jurisdiction over water and land; and

 

     (7)  Any other members the Chairperson deems appropriate; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to examine examples of the best infrastructure and park experience and develop plans to ensure park infrastructure, landscapes, and other amenities are improved and maintained at a level commensurate to or better than national best practices, innovations, and standards; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to examine examples of successful branding, interpretive storytelling, and retail strategies used by national parks, cities, and other locations to develop a framework suitable for the State; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to ensure that any art, branding, and narratives developed appropriately and respectfully reflect the cultural heritage, historical significance, environmental character, and community identity of the places represented; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body affirms its intent for the State to develop and maintain a state parks system that reflects the highest standards of stewardship, quality, visitor experience, and infrastructure so that the State's state parks are recognized as one of the finest state park systems in the United States; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President of the Senate; Speaker of the House of Representatives; Administrator of the Division of State Parks of the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Administrator of the Business Development and Support Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority; and President of the University of Hawaii System.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

DLNR; Task Force; State Parks; Branding and Narratives