HI HCR102

Urges the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu and the Honolulu City Council to create a separate department for ocean safety and lifeguard services, currently housed within the Department of Emergency Services.

Notes that Ocean Safety oversees 198 miles of Oahu's coastline, operates 41 lifeguard towers, and serves approximately 18 million beach users annually with 251 full-time equivalent positions.

Cites administrative efficiency as a rationale, noting that the Department of Health's transfer of emergency medical services duties to the City (under Act 208, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021) is expected to significantly increase EMS workload while decreasing state reimbursement beginning in fiscal year 2023.

References Charter section 4-202, which grants the Mayor authority to propose executive reorganizations that take effect upon City Council approval or after 60 days unless rejected by a two-thirds council vote.

Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Mayor, Honolulu City Council Chair, Managing Director, and Director of Emergency Services.