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Surfer Lily Able honored with newly built lifeguard tower
Surfer Lily Able honored with newly built lifeguard tower

Yahoo

time14-06-2025

  • General
  • Yahoo

Surfer Lily Able honored with newly built lifeguard tower

NORTH KONA, Hawaii (KHON2) — A lifeguard tower now stands at Kohanaiki Beach Park, a popular North Kona surf spot known as 'Pine Trees.' But for one family, this structure is more than just a safety upgrade — it's a tribute to a life lost too soon. 10 new lifeguards graduate from Honolulu Ocean Safety Department The Hawai'i Fire Department held a blessing ceremony on June 13 at 3:30 p.m. to commemorate the tower's launch and remember Lily Able, a young surfer who suffered fatal injuries while surfing at Kohanaiki. Her passing deeply impacted the local surf community — and especially her mother, Rachel Able, who became a driving force behind the push for enhanced beach safety. 'This tower is more than infrastructure — it is a commitment to protecting lives and honoring Lily's legacy,' Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said. According to officials, Rachel worked closely with county leaders and the fire department to make the tower a reality. Check out more news from around Hawaii The structure was built with funds allocated through the department's FY2025 budget, with full-time Ocean Safety officers now staffing the tower daily. This lifeguard tower is now the 13th under Hawai'i Fire Department's Ocean Safety program, making Kohanaiki one of the many beaches now covered by trained personnel certified in open-water rescue, advanced first aid, CPR and public education. Mayor Kimo Alameda said the new addition reflects not only the county's ongoing safety efforts but also the determination of families and residents to protect future generations. 'Many community members in North Kona have shared how happy they are to see lifeguard service at Kohanaiki Beach Park,' Alameda said. 'I am grateful for Rachel and everyone at the county who put in the work to make this project a reality.' The ceremony included a traditional Hawaiian blessing led by Dr. Holeka Inaba, followed by remarks from fire and county the Able family and many others, the tower will serve as a visible promise that Lily's memory will help protect others for years to come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Higher bills ahead: Honolulu City Council OKs sewer fee hike in $5.1B budget
Higher bills ahead: Honolulu City Council OKs sewer fee hike in $5.1B budget

Yahoo

time06-06-2025

  • 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.

High surf along Oahu's North Shore keeps city lifeguards busy
High surf along Oahu's North Shore keeps city lifeguards busy

Yahoo

time01-06-2025

  • 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 ? .

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