Honolulu Emergency Services Department

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has signed a resolution creating a new Ocean Safety Department. In his March state of the city address, Blangiardi said he wanted to separate ocean safety services from ambulance services. Both were housed in the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.

The Honolulu City Council has approved a measure to establish a separate Ocean Safety department for Oʻahu. Prior to this, ocean safety services currently fall within the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, along with ambulance services.

Oʻahu bars and nightclubs are now required to stock naloxone, commonly known as the brand Narcan, which can reverse an opioid drug overdose. That mandate could be expanded to restaurants and hotels statewide under a bill going through the Legislature.

This year's ballot could ask voters about separating ocean safety services from the Honolulu Department of Emergency Services. Lifeguards would have a new department similar to those for police and firefighters. The chief of ocean safety estimated about 10 new administrative positions would be needed. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

Currently, the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division is under the city's Emergency Services Department. If passed, it could appear as a charter amendment for voters as early as the 2024 general election.

Honolulu officials say an investigation has found that an ambulance fire that killed a patient and critically injured a paramedic last year originated in a portable oxygen cylinder’s regulatory assembly.

Three essential worker groups are trying to branch off and make their own units this session, including emergency dispatchers, adult correction officers and the Honolulu Emergency Services Department. HPR's Sabrina Bodon reports.

Luke Shepardson’s win at the 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational catapulted him into the limelight and showcased the high level of skill required to patrol Hawai'i’s shorelines. Shepardson and Ocean Safety Chief John Titchen spoke to The Conversation's Russell Subiono about what his win meant for lifeguards everywhere.

A three-hour, full-scale exercise put first responders to the test. During a practice drill near the East Kapolei HART station, Honolulu's fire, emergency services and police tackled a pretend derailment. HPR's Sabrina Bodon was there to learn more.

Honolulu officials say preliminary findings from an investigation into a Kailua ambulance fire that killed a patient and injured a paramedic last month show the blaze originated in an oxygen device that is routinely used.