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.

SR97

THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

97

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE 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, 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 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