Oahu voters had their say with the 2024 City Charter Question #3 regarding the creation of an Ocean Safety Commission. Now the City and County of Honolulu is looking for five qualified and passionate members of the public to “step forward” and serve as commissioners.

Initial meetings are roughly set for July 2025.

The Ocean Safety Commission will not have direct operational or administrative authority over the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department, according to a release, but they will be tasked with the following:

  • Appointment of an ocean safety chief.
  • Reviewing the annual budget prepared by the ocean safety chief and making recommendations to the mayor and the council.
  • Reviewing the department’s operations as deemed necessary, in order to recommend improvements to the ocean safety chief.
  • Evaluating the ocean safety chief’s performance annually and submitting a report to the mayor and council.
  • Listening to citizen complaints regarding the department or its personnel, and if necessary, making recommendations to the ocean safety chief on appropriate corrective actions.
  • Submitting an annual report to the mayor and council on its activities.

Those who apply must live in the City and County of Honolulu, be registered to vote and demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas:

  • Open water lifesaving and public safety services
  • Marine conservation and environmental science
  • Community education and outreach
  • Ocean water sports and recreation
  • Risk management and injury prevention in a dynamic aquatic environment
  • Emergency management and disaster preparedness
  • Intimate knowledge of the City Charter pertaining to HOSD

“The Ocean Safety Commission represents our continued commitment to ocean safety first responders safeguarding the lives of residents and visitors while protecting the natural beauty and vitality of our marine environment,” stated Mayor Rick Blangiardi in the release. “We are calling on dedicated community members with expertise, experience, and a love for the ocean to help guide HOSD’s critical mission.”

Candidates can submit their resume and cover letter by Jan. 31, 2025, to mdoffice@honolulu.gov or mail a hard copy to Office of the Mayor, City and County of Honolulu, 530 S. King St., Room 300, Honolulu HI 96813.