With a lifeguard tower newly installed and staffed at Kohanaiki Beach Park in North Kona, the Hawaii Fire Department will hold a traditional Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 13, at the tower site.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony during which Dr. Holeka Inaba will lead the blessing followed by remarks from Fire Chief Kazuo Todd and county officials.
A passionate advocate for the Kohanaiki lifeguard tower, Rachel Able, had lost her daughter, Lily Able, a passionate and skilled surfer, to fatal injuries sustained while surfing at the popular surf spot known locally as “Pine Trees” in November 2022.
“Many community members in North Kona have shared how happy they are to see lifeguard service at Kohanaiki Beach Park,” said County of Hawaii Mayor Kimo Alameda in a release. “I am grateful for Rachel and everyone at the county who put in the work to make this project a reality.”
Able worked alongside county and fire department leadership to make the lifeguard tower a reality.
“This tower is more than infrastructure — it is a commitment to protecting lives and honoring Lily’s legacy,” said Todd. “The community’s voice, led with courage and love by Rachel Able, helped make this happen.”
With support from the Mayor’s office, the Fire Department coordinated with the Department of Parks and Recreation, allocating funds from its budget to purchase and construct the tower. Staffing was included in the FY2025 budget, marking the first expansion of lifeguard services under the current administration.
The tower will be staffed daily by HFD Ocean Safety officers certified in open-water rescue, advanced first aid, CPR and public education. Kohanaiki is the 13th beach under HFD lifeguard protection.