Safety

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.

A new state working group is awaiting the results of two separate studies on environmental and health impacts from the U.S. Marine Corps Puʻuloa Range Training Facility in Leeward Oʻahu.

To help deter thieves from breaking into cars in scenic areas in East Oʻahu, the Honolulu City Council is considering a resolution to allow surveillance cameras.

A request for the aircraft was made at a Maui County Council meeting to expand rescue capabilities for remote locations of the county at all hours.

Hawaiʻi could be in for a very dry summer and fall. La Niña conditions generally spell a hotter “dry season.” Meteorologist John Bravender stopped by the station Wednesday morning to talk about the weather and getting prepared for hurricane season.

Forecasters say this year's hurricane season for waters around Hawaiʻi will likely be "below normal" with one to four tropical cyclones across the central Pacific region. That estimate includes tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes.

The Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization is set to receive close to $900,000 in federal funds that will go towards developing community wildfire protection plans for seven communities across Hawaiʻi.

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.

The state Department of Health said heavy rain resulted in stormwater runoff entering into coastal waters.

Hawaiʻi drivers will soon be able to get a license plate with famed Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku. Money from the new plates will go towards promoting water safety.