The Honolulu City Council adopted Committee Report 256 and Resolution 25‑179 CD1, confirming mayoral appointees to the Ocean Safety Commission. Councilmembers and community speakers praised ocean safety personnel and asked the newly confirmed commissioners to move quickly on organizational priorities, including meeting scheduling, chair selection and budget priorities ahead of the coming budget cycle.

Several testifiers expressed gratitude for lifeguards’ work and urged prompt action. Tim Geary urged “a detailed timeline of how we’re going to set up the commission — meeting rooms, when the meetings are going to be, who’s going to be the chair as soon as possible. I don’t want to see this drag on for another 3, 4 months.” Public commenter Shelby (Pikachu) Billionaire described the heavy demand on lifeguards at North Shore beaches and urged “100%” support for the Ocean Safety Department.

Councilmembers emphasized the new commission’s responsibilities: advising on selection of the Ocean Safety chief and developing a clear plan so the council can consider appropriate funding in the budget. Councilmember Tupelo noted the commission “is still brand new” and expressed confidence the members will “do right by our lifeguards and by the community they protect.” Councilmember Weier echoed support and underscored the volunteer nature of the commission.

With the confirmations adopted, the commission must convene, select officers and begin the work outlined in the charter amendment that created it. Testifiers asked the council to ensure the commission receives administrative support, clear reporting lines and a timely meeting schedule so it can provide guidance before the next budget decisions.