Latest news with #OceanSafety
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Higher bills ahead: Honolulu City Council OKs sewer fee hike in $5.1B budget
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The city's $5.1 billion budget passed after a marathon city council session that ended at 9 p.m. June 4. Some of the additions include money for expanded ambulance service, traffic safety upgrades near schools and fully funding the new Department of Ocean Safety. Justice found for victim of viscous dog attack in Manoa But it's a controversial sewer fee increase that was the biggest issue debated. The city administration earlier had proposed a 115% increase over the next 10 years, starting at a 10% hike. What passed by a slim five-to-four vote was a measure proposed by the city budget committee to minimize the impact on consumers. The new payment schedule will split sewer bills between a 40% base rate for sewage services and a 60% variable rate based on water usage, as an incentive to reduce water consumption.'The lower the amount of water that you use, the lower your bill is going to be. But the fact of the matter is, most people use about 6,000 gallons a month, or 9,000 gallons a month, so it's going to affect the most amount of people at that level,' said City Council Chair Tommy Waters. The rate schedule assumes yearly increases for the next six years of 6%, 7.5%, 8.5%, 9%, 9% and 9%. An annual 3% increase would kick in starting in 2033. The increases are required to pay for $2.5 billion upgrades to Oahu's largest sewage treatment plant on Sand Island and $10 billion for improvements to the island's sewer lines and pump stations. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Waters had proposed moving money from the Transit Accommodations Tax and unused funds from vacant city department positions to help lower the sewer fees. But the city's budget director warned it could negatively impact the city's bond rating, making it harder to borrow money. 'I couldn't convince my colleagues to do that this year. It was a bold step. The administration did not support it. And you know, I'm not going to give up, though this is too important to give up.' Waters said. The mayor is expected to sign the full budget into law. The new sewer fee structure would take effect starting January 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
High surf along Oahu's North Shore keeps city lifeguards busy
Honolulu Ocean Safety and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to a number of 911 calls today along the North Shore amid surf that produced 12-foot and higher faces. Just after 8 a.m., lifeguards rescued a surfer who injured her shoulder off Mokuleia near the surf spot known as Silvas. Lifeguards brought the 29-year-old Waialua woman to shore via Jet Ski. She was evaluated on the scene by an EMS crew and declined transport to an emergency room, according to Honolulu Emergency Services Department spokesperson Shayne Enright. Then just before 9 :30 a.m., an off-duty lifeguard and mobile lifeguard personnel responded to a report of two swimmers struggling to stay afloat in the waters at Three Tables. Lifeguards safely brought both to shore and they did not require medical attention, Enright said. A short while later, lifeguards at Sharks Cove assisted a 38-year-old visitor who suffered a head injury and multiple lacerations after he was knocked off his feet into the ocean by a wave. The man cut himself multiple times on the reef but was able to get out of the water on his own, Enright said. Lifeguards began medical treatment and transferred his care to a Honolulu EMS crew, which transported him to an emergency room in serious condition. 'Honolulu Ocean Safety reminds all beachgoers to check ocean conditions prior to going in or near the ocean. Also going to a lifeguarded beach is always recommended, ' Enright said in a news release. 0 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .

Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Shark warning signs posted at Makaha Beach
A shark warning alert has been issued this morning for Makaha Beach in West Oahu. Ocean Safety lifeguards confirmed the sighting of one tiger shark about 100 yards from shore in Makaha, according to an HNL Alert issued at 10 :18 a.m. Warning signs have been posted. 'If you see or encounter a shark, notify Ocean Safety personnel or call 911 immediately, said the alert. 'Always check with a lifeguard for the latest ocean and beach conditions.' 0 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Shark sighting prompts warning at Pokai Bay
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Ocean Safety officials have issued a shark warning for Pokai Bay after an aggressive 8-foot shark was spotted roughly 75 yards offshore in the middle of the bay Tuesday morning. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Lifeguards confirmed the sighting and have posted warning signs along the beach to alert swimmers and beachgoers. No injuries or incidents have been reported. State land board rejects Army lease extension on training site Officials are urging the public to exercise caution. If you see a shark, you're asked to notify Ocean Safety personnel or call 911 right visitors are reminded to always check with lifeguards for up-to-date ocean conditions before entering the water. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Shark warning signs posted at Makaha Beach Park
A shark advisory has been issued for Makaha Beach Park, according to an alert issued this afternoon by city officials. At about 2 :17 p.m., HNL Alert sent notice that Ocean Safety lifeguards sighted a 4-to 5-foot, non-aggressive shark near the shoreline at Makaha Beach Park. Signs have been posted at the beach. Anyone who sees or encounters a shark should notify Ocean Safety or call 911 immediately. 'Always check with a lifeguard for the latest ocean and beach conditions, ' said the alert. 0 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .