HB 2044 Summary

• Appropriates $340,355 for fiscal year 2018-2019 to establish four full-time ocean safety officers at Maniiniowali Beach (Kua Bay) in Kekaha Kai State Park on the island of Hawaii, with the county of Hawaii responsible for hiring and providing benefits.

• Appropriates $80,000 for equipment including a $60,000 lifeguard tower, $8,000 all-terrain vehicle, $8,000 radios, $3,000 rescue equipment, and $1,000 protective equipment.

• Establishes ocean safety officer positions to address safety concerns at the heavily-visited beach, where 28 emergency medical service calls were made from 2013-2016, resulting in 19 hospitalizations and 3 drowning deaths since 2013.

• Effective July 1, 2018.