KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER
(808) 768-5001 (808) 768-1217 (fax)
E-mail: kmpine@honolulu.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FERUARY 29, 2016
Councilmember Seeks Extended Lifeguard Hours
With record winter swells hitting Oahu’s beaches, Makaha resident Brian Keaulana, former City & County of Honolulu Lifeguard Captain and Hawaii Five-0 celebrity is up bright and early at the shore with rescue equipment to watch dawn patrol surfers. City lifeguards’ shifts don’t start until 9:00 a.m. so Brian and many other ocean-goers recognize a need for safety support in the early morning when swells are big.
“Many ocean-goers head out to the beach in the early morning before any lifeguards are even there. Our waters are strong and their lives are at stake, which is why I try to be proactive and provide safety rescues when I can,” said Brian Keaulana, a surf rescue pioneer who saves lives in the strong Makaha waters every day.
Brian Keaulana grew up in the waters so he understands the magnitude of the ocean and how important it is to have a second set of eyes on shore to be alert of what’s happening in the water. His father, legendary waterman Buffalo Keaulana was the first lifeguard on the Leeward Coast and has saved thousands of lives along the Makaha coastline. “It’s been a lifestyle and family tradition for us to provide and safeguard our community,” said Brian Keaulana. “Often times, people venture off into the waters beyond their abilities so we need to be prepared in case an incident happens. Life is precious and there is a need for increased safety on our beaches.”
Responding to the voices of ocean-goers, water athletes and past and current City lifeguards, Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine recently introduced Resolution 16-43, which urges the City Administration to extend the hours of City and County of Honolulu lifeguards’ coverage of Oahu beaches.
“With an increase of ocean-related deaths, we need to take this seriously and ensure that residents and visitors have the assistance they need when they experience trouble in the water.” Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine said. “By increasing the hours of lifeguard coverage from dawn to dust on our beaches, we can promote safety for our ʻohana and keiki along our beautiful coastline.”
Resolution 16-43 will be heard tomorrow, March 1, 2016 at the Public Health, Safety and Welfare Committee Meeting taking place at Honolulu Hale at 9:00 a.m. Councilmember Pine asks members of the public to attend and offer their support at this meeting. Residents may also submit a written testimony at http://www.honolulu.gov/ccl-testimony-form.html?view=form or by emailing kmpine@honolulu.gov.
Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine represents residents of District One (ʻEwa, ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko ʻOlina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau, Makua).
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