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Ocean Safety Division <br /> Overview provided by Captain John Kapsky. <br />Captain Kapsky explained that the Ocean Safety Division is responsible <br />for ten islandwide beach parks. There are six beaches in East Hawai'i and <br />four in West Hawai'i. At the present time, the Ocean Safety Division is in <br />the process of adding lifeguard towers to various beaches. The most <br />critical is the Isaac Hale Memorial Park in Pohoiki, where there is also a <br />need to assign four full time Water Safety Officers. There is also a need <br />to create three full time positions for Hilo’s Carlsmith Beach Park (aka <br />Four Miles). Another critical area in need of lifeguard coverage is Kua <br />Bay, which is a state park. In order to receive approval to create lifeguard <br />positions for Kua Bay, the county would need to hold negotiations with the <br />state to increase the budget. Another park issue that needs to be <br />addressed is with Honolii Beach Park’s parking because the entire parking <br />area is the roadway. There is a concern with getting an ambulance <br />through because the roadway is extremely narrow and there is limited <br />parking. <br />According to Captain Kapsky, there are 40 Water Safety Officers <br />islandwidek, half of which are full-time and the other half part-time. The <br />goal is to eventually convert the part-time positions to full time. There are <br />three islandwide vacancies within the existing staff; two ½ time positions in <br />Kona and one ¾ time position in Hilo. These positions are also in the <br />process of being converted to full-time. <br />Captain Kapsky also informed the commission that the Ocean Safety <br />Division is still operating out of the Department of Park and Recreation’s <br />facility and they are trying to secure two buildings adjacent to NAS <br />swimming pool. The two buildings were once occupied by the National <br />Weather Service Agency and were used as a back up generator station. <br />Although it is not definite, he is aware of discussions held with the Airport <br />Manager, the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the <br />National Weather Service, who are in agreement of the procurement. <br />Support Services Division <br />Fire Auxiliary Services Bureau: <br /> Fire Auxiliary Services Bureau Battalion Chief Michael Gahan reported <br />the following: <br /> The FCCC is trying to develop a regular training schedule for the <br />dispatchers, including allowing them to ride along in Medic One in <br />order to observe and familiarize themselves with the Fire Company <br />personnel’s job duties. <br />6 <br /> <br />