ENDORSING WAIKIKI AS A WORLD SURFING RESERVE.

SR89

THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

89

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

endorsing waikiki as a world surfing reserve
.

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WHEREAS, Waikiki
was a hub for Native Hawaiian surfers, such as Duke Kahanamoku, who helped to
introduce and spread the sport of surfing to the rest of the world, and is
often referred to today as the birthplace of the sport; and

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WHEREAS, surfing
at Waikiki and throughout the rest of the State has a meaning beyond just that
of a sport; wave-riding and surfboard-crafting were and continue to be cultural
artforms that preserve Native Hawaiian heritage and promote values of respect
for and connection with the environment; and

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WHEREAS, Waikiki
is already considered a world-renowned surf zone, home to multiple annual surf
competitions and more than a dozen popular surf breaks that offer a wide
variety of waves for surfers of all skill levels year-round; and

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WHEREAS, Waikiki
is also located at the base of an ecologically rich watershed that supports
important natural resources and is home to multiple protected species,
including the Green Sea Turtle and the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal; and

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WHEREAS, Waikiki
is simultaneously the State's largest tourist destination, contributing
millions of dollars to state GDP year over year through direct, indirect, and
induced impacts, with surfing being one of the main attractions; and

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WHEREAS,
there is a direct and clear connection between the environmental health and
economic resilience of Waikiki, thus illustrating the economic justification for
protecting the natural resources that sustain the economy; and

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WHEREAS, Waikiki's
surf sites are threatened by the impacts of climate change, including coral
bleaching and floods that wash pollution into the ocean; and

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WHEREAS, Waikiki
has a thorough legal framework in place for its preservation and long-term
support, including the managerial oversight of the Waikiki Beach Special
Improvement District Association and focused coordination of the Waikiki Beach
Community Advisory Committee; and

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WHEREAS, the
World Surfing Reserves is a program created by the Save the Waves Coalition for
the identification, designation, and preservation of the world's most
outstanding surf zones and their surrounding environments; and

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WHEREAS,
recognizing Waikiki as a World Surfing Reserve would raise awareness and
accelerate the efforts of the local community and stakeholders who are already
working to protect and manage Waikiki's surfing ecosystem from recognized
threats and to honor the unique Hawaiian contribution to the history of
surfing; and

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WHEREAS, Waikiki
more than meets the minimum criteria required by the Save the Waves Coalition
to qualify as a World Surfing Reserve; now, therefore,

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BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, that this body endorses the recognition of Waikiki as
a World Surfing Reserve because Waikiki more than meets the qualifying criteria
of being a globally significant surf spot, with an outstanding series of surf
breaks, unique environmental characteristics with clear avenues to protect
them, a rich surf culture and history, strong community support and capacity,
and a priority conservation area; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Mayor of the City and
County of Honolulu, and Board of Directors of the Waikiki Beach Special
Improvement District Association.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
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Waikiki;
World Surfing Reserve