Pasted in, for your convenience, but also attached.
KYMBERLY MARCOS PINE
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, NOVEMBER 6, 2019
EXTENDED LIFEGUARD HOURS APPROVED BY HONOLULU CITY COUNCIL
HONOLULU – Honolulu City Councilmember Kym Pine reports that the full Honolulu City Council today approved her proposal to improve public safety by extending lifeguard service hours at public beaches from sunrise to sunset.
“Once implemented we can be assured that our residents and visitors will be able to enjoy our City beach parks safely from the early morning, until each day’s beautiful sunset unfolds,” said Councilmember Pine. “That the lifeguards themselves supported this bill shows that their passion for keeping people safe, is part of who they are – not just what they do.”
“Our Ocean Safety Program here in Honolulu is one of the finest in the world,” said Jim Howe, Director, City and County of Honolulu Emergency Services Department. “Our ocean is dangerous and to make sure that we’re a really great destination, we need to make sure our visitors that come here – as well as our local residents — are safe.”
Councilmember Pine introduced the bill after learning about the urgent need for patrolling of City beaches beyond standard work hours. Lifeguards and members of the community brought these concerns to her.
Nearly 20 percent of emergencies occur outside of the lifeguards’ standard, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. workday. A pilot project at Hanauma Bay, with lifeguards working extended 10-hour shifts, saved lives, boosted employee morale, reduced workers compensation claims and use of sick leave.
Introduced in July, Bill 39 passed Second Reading and public hearing September 4, returned to the Public Safety Committee October 24 and was reported out for Third Reading, which occurred today. The bill is to be implemented no later than July 1, 2021.
Councilmember Kym Pine represents residents of District One (ʻEwa, ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko ʻOlina, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili, Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Kea‘au, Mākua) and is chair of the City Council’s Committee on Business Economic Development and Tourism.
Media contact:
Erika Engle
Communications Director
M: (808) 284-6044
# # #
Mahalo,
Erika Engle
Communications Director, Councilmember Kymberly Pine
Honolulu City Council, District One
Main 808.768.5001 Direct 808.768.5024