JAMM AQUINO/JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
A City and County lifeguard is seen inside one of the towers at Ala Moana Regional Park, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Honolulu.
Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
The future of the 107-year-old Honolulu Ocean Safety service is on the agenda for Wednesday’s Honolulu City Council meeting.
On the one hand, Mayor Rick Blangiardi has proposed taking executive action to create a stand-alone Ocean Safety Department “immediately.”
On the other, is a more measured and, in my opinion, more reasonable approach. Councilmember Andria Tupola’s Resolution 50 would put the question on the November general election ballot and ask voters to decide if there should be a new Department of Ocean Safety, with a more transparent and accountable command structure looking more like the Honolulu Police and Fire departments.
I stand in strong support of Resolution 50, and a public process to set up a new Department of Ocean Safety thoughtfully, carefully and deliberately. A public vote, and a commission, are in keeping with nationwide best practices for such an historic and significant proposal.
John Titchen
Chief, city Ocean Safety Division
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter Opens in a new tab
