HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	155
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION TO INSTALL PERMANENT PICKLEBALL NETS AND COURT LIGHTING AT THE TENNIS COURTS AT KAMILO IKI COMMUNITY PARK.

 

 

 

WHEREAS, Kamilo iki Community Park in Hawaii Kai serves as an important recreational gathering place for residents of East Honolulu and provides facilities for tennis, pickleball, and other community activities; and

 

WHEREAS, pickleball has rapidly grown into one of the most popular recreational sports in the United States, attracting participants of all ages due to its accessibility, social nature, and relatively low-impact physical activity; and

 

WHEREAS, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report, approximately 19.8 million Americans played pickleball in 2024, representing a 45.8 percent increase from the previous year and more than a 300 percent increase over three years, making it the fastest-growing sport in the United States; and

 

WHEREAS, the sport’s popularity has created increased demand for courts nationwide, with tens of thousands of dedicated pickleball courts now in operation across the country and many communities converting existing tennis facilities to accommodate pickleball play; and

 

WHEREAS, Kamilo iki Community Park has become a popular location for pickleball play, particularly among kupuna and other residents seeking accessible and social forms of physical activity; and

 

WHEREAS, players currently must bring and set up their own temporary nets each time they wish to play pickleball at the park, which can create logistical challenges and limit opportunities for spontaneous recreational use; and

 

WHEREAS, installing permanent pickleball nets would significantly improve accessibility and convenience for residents, encourage greater participation in healthy outdoor recreation, and help meet growing demand for pickleball facilities in East Honolulu; and

 

WHEREAS, the tennis courts at Kamilo iki Community Park currently do not have court lighting, requiring players to stop playing once daylight ends, even when weather conditions and community demand would otherwise allow continued recreational use; and

 

WHEREAS, installing lighting at the courts would allow residents to safely enjoy recreational activities during evening hours, particularly during shorter winter days and after normal working hours; and

 

WHEREAS, expanding recreational opportunities at existing park facilities can help promote physical health, strengthen community connections, and ensure that public parks continue to serve residents of all ages; 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 City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is requested to install permanent pickleball nets and court lighting at the tennis courts located at Kamilo iki Community Park; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Parks and Recreation is encouraged to consult with community members and park users regarding the design, placement, and number of pickleball courts and lighting improvements necessary to best serve the needs of the surrounding community; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, the Honolulu City Councilmember for District 4, and the Director of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

Pickleball; Nets; Lighting; City and County of Honolulu; Kamilo iki Community Park