HI HB14

Appropriates funds for the department of land and natural resources to hire and provide benefits for 4 full-time equivalent lifeguards at Kua Bay, Kekaha Kai State Park on Hawaii's island of Hawaii for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.

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

Addresses the increase in dangerous incidents at Kua Bay, including three fatal drownings, three near-drownings, ten spinal cord injuries, and numerous other injuries reported between 2008 and December 14, 2016.

Designates lifeguards as primary responders for ocean emergencies and injury control at shorelines and near-shore waters where most ocean recreation occurs.