HI HB14

Appropriates funds for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to hire and provide benefits for four full-time equivalent lifeguards at Kua Bay, Kekaha Kai State Park on the island of Hawaii for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.

Appropriates additional funds for lifeguard equipment including a lifeguard tower, all-terrain vehicle, radios, rescue equipment, and protective equipment for fiscal year 2017-2018, with protective equipment funding for fiscal year 2018-2019.

Addresses increased safety concerns at Kua Bay resulting from growth in visitor numbers, noting three fatal drownings, three near-drownings, ten spinal cord injuries, and various other serious incidents from 2008 to December 2016.

Designates lifeguards as primary responders for emergencies on shorelines and near shore waters where the majority of ocean recreation activity occurs.