State Sen. Fred Hemmings, a former world champion surfer, has introduced a bill in the Legislature designating Waikiki and a 7-mile stretch along Oahu's North Shore as "surfing reserves." The title would create worldwide recognition of the sites as having quality surf and promote their preservation for recreational and competitive surfing. Supporters say there is a movement to designate sites as surfing reserves and recognize them for their cultural and economic importance. Australia has several surfing reserves, while California and New Zealand are looking into creating them. Hemmings said state designation of surfing sites would position Hawaii for recognition as a World Surfing Reserve. Hemmings said Hawaii sometimes takes surfing for granted and does not do enough to celebrate the sport, which was developed by ancient Hawaiians. He hopes that after the bill becomes law, other surfing sites around the state will be recognized as well, and community groups will put up signs identifying the sites.