DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION​

Update for Teachers and Schools: Indemnification No Longer Required for Most Park Permits

The City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has updated its policy regarding park permits for State of Hawaiʻi entities, including the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (DOE), charter schools, and the University of Hawaiʻi.

What’s changed:
Teachers and schools are no longer required to provide an indemnification certificate for DPR park permits when indemnification or insurance is not required under existing DPR administrative rules. Facilities Use Permits are still required (see application link below). Check with your local garden ahead of time to confirm availability.

What this means for teachers and schools:

• Routine activities such as class field trips, athletic team practice, and general park use no longer require indemnification.
• State entities, including DOE, charter schools, and the University of Hawaiʻi, are now treated the same as the general public for these permits.
• This change is intended to make permitting simpler, more equitable, and less burdensome for schools.

When indemnification or insurance may still be required:

• Activities that already require indemnification for all applicants (such as construction or work involving equipment on park property).
• Activities that trigger DPR insurance requirements under administrative rules, such as:
  • Food or refreshment sales
  • Fundraising activities
  • Certain concessions