REQUESTING GOOGLE MAPS, APPLE MAPS, AND SIMILAR DIGITAL MAPPING AND NAVIGATION PLATFORMS TO REMOVE, MODIFY, OR RESTRICT THE PUBLIC IDENTIFICATION, LABELING, AND PROMOTION OF HAZARDOUS COASTAL FEATURES, INCLUDING MERMAID CAVES.

HCR121

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

121

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

requesting Google Maps, Apple Maps, and similar digital
mapping and navigation platforms to remove, modify, or restrict the public
identification, labeling, and promotion of hazardous coastal features,
including Mermaid Caves.

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WHEREAS, the
State holds coastal lands and resources in trust for the benefit of present and
future generations and recognizes the public's right of access to and along the
shoreline; and

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WHEREAS, chapter
6D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, establishes protections for natural, cultural, and
geological resources within Hawaii's caves and prohibits the removal of cave
resources, pollution within caves, and disturbance of native organisms; and

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WHEREAS,
these statutes reflect the State's commitment to the preservation of Hawaii's
caves and similar cultural and natural resources; and

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WHEREAS, the
State has a compelling interest in protecting public safety and preventing
avoidable loss of life in areas presenting extreme and unavoidable natural
hazards; and

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WHEREAS,
certain confined coastal features, including sea caves and similar formations,
are subject to sudden wave surge, unpredictable ocean conditions, limited
visibility, and the absence of safe means of exit; and

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WHEREAS, the
coastal cave formations along the Nanakuli coastline, commonly referred to as
Mermaid Caves, have a documented history of serious injury, near drownings, and
fatalities, resulting in repeated emergency response and rescue operations; and

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WHEREAS,
Mermaid Caves and other hazardous coastal features have been identified and
labeled as recreational destinations or points of interest on digital mapping
and navigation platforms, contributing to increased visitation and unsafe
access attempts by residents and visitors; and

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WHEREAS,
members of the public often rely on digital mapping and navigation platforms
for travel and recreation and may reasonably assume that labeled destinations
are safe or appropriate for public access; and

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WHEREAS, the
continued promotion of hazardous coastal features through these platforms
undermines public safety, places additional strain on first responders and
emergency services, and threatens the preservation and cultural value of these
natural resources; and

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WHEREAS,
digital mapping and navigation platforms maintain policies for allowing for the
modification or removal of locations that pose safety risks when supported by
credible information; now, therefore,

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BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the
State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that Google
Maps, Apple Maps, and similar digital mapping and navigation platforms are
requested to remove, modify, or restrict the public identification, labeling,
and promotion of hazardous coastal features, including Mermaid Caves; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that any modification should include removal of recreational or point
of interest designations and directions or guidance encouraging public access;
and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to
coordinate with appropriate county agencies, emergency responders, and digital
mapping and navigation platforms to provide documentation, safety data, and
findings supporting requests for removal or modification of hazardous coastal
features; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that nothing in this measure is intended to restrict lawful shoreline
access, traditional and customary practices, news reporting, academic research,
or historical reference; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the
Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; Mayor of the City and
County of Honolulu, County of Hawaii, County of Kauai, and County of Maui; Chief
Executive Officer of Google; and Chief Executive Officer of Apple.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
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Hazardous
Coastal Features; Mermaid Cave; Google Maps; Apple Maps