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New Ocean Safety Department requests 17% increase for towers, vehicles and staffing
Summary
Director Kurt Lager presented the first Ocean Safety Department budget as a standalone agency, asking for more lifeguard towers, replacement jet skis and vehicles, and a mix of 10 full‑time and 23 contract lifeguard positions to expand coverage and support a new Kailua facility nearing completion.
The newly formed Honolulu Ocean Safety Department presented its first separate FY 2026 budget to the Budget Committee on March 12, requesting an overall increase of roughly 17% and specific equipment and staffing to expand lifeguard coverage.
Director Kurt Lager opened the department’s presentation by noting the new agency’s facilities work: “We are nearing completion of our first facility ever being built for ocean safety and it's 107 year history that's gonna support the Kailua and Lanikai community,” he said.
Lager told the committee the proposed 2026 operating budget shifts roughly 86%…
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