Gov. Linda Lingle established surfing reserves by executive order today, resurrecting a measure killed by lawmakers in what could be a first.

The move was a symbolic gesture of support for retiring Republican state Sen. Fred Hemmings, whose bill establishing surfing reserves was "recommitted" in the last day of the legislative session in a move Republicans have taken offense to.

Political onlookers have said they couldn't recall a governor ever issuing an executive order to resurrect a bill killed by lawmakers.

The executive order sets up the reserves, which essentially highlight two surfing spots — in Waikiki and the North Shore — as important in the world of surfing.

The order doesn't have any appropriation, and doesn't change any enforcement or other rules.

"It's like declaring Diamond Head a national monument," said Hemmings, in a news conference today.