HI HCR21

Urges the City and County of Honolulu to establish the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division as a separate, independent department rather than remaining under the Emergency Services Department.

The Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division operates 41 towers across Oahu and employs 235 full-time lifeguards and 37 contract lifeguards with an annual operating budget of $19,800,000.

The division is organized into five operational districts (South Shore, Windward Coast, North Shore, Leeward Coast, and Hanauma Bay) and serves as the primary responder for emergencies on Oahu's 227 miles of coastline and nearshore waters.

Directs the Mayor of Honolulu and Honolulu City Council to work together to establish the new department pursuant to section 4-202 of the Revised Charter of the City and County of Honolulu.

Requires certified copies to be transmitted to the Mayor, Honolulu City Council Chairperson, and the Director of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.