Resolution working towards making The Ocean Safety Division its own department

The Committee on Water and Land recommend that the measure be passed, with amendments.

The first responders guard over 200 miles of coastline. They are busy everyday rescuing swimmers and working hard to stop people from going into the water when the surf is dangerous.

Supporters of this resolution say the ocean safety division should be its own department so they can advocate for what they need.

Lifeguards say this would be a positive change and help lead them to receiving funding and resources -- something they say is lacking.

"For its own autonomy and self determination to allocate resources and the betterment of public safety all around," shares Joey Cadiz. 

Dr. Jim Ireland says that as director for the Honolulu Emergency Services Department he is responsible for advocating for the two divisions -- emergency medical services (EMS) and ocean safety.

He says his 30 years of experience in EMS helps him understand the division more than ocean safety.

"Perhaps having just a director of just ocean safety would just focus on that so I think there is a lot of potential for benefit," shares Dr. Ireland. 

But, adding more staff to a new administration will require more funding -- Something Mayor Rick Blangiardi says will need to be looked into before taking steps towards the separation.

In his state of the city address, Mayor Blangiardi said he is creating a task force to see the potential benefits of forming this department.

"It's time to take a deeper look and seriously consider if EMS and Ocean Safety would be better served as independent first responder departments" shares Mayor Blangiardi. 

Dr. Ireland says it's important to look at what's most beneficial for the community and the first responders.

"We want the best for them because we expect the best out of them in caring for the public and saving lives."