January 21st – Rescue Tube Agreement Signed and Implemented
The beaches and attractions along the shore of east Oahu are now a little safer for tourists and locals who visit Honolulu City and County Beach Parks with the installation of 20 new rescue tubes.
What started with a meeting with then Councilmember Tommy Waters evolved into a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and County of Honolulu and Hawaii Kai Lions, Koko Head Lions, Manoa Lions and Hawaii Cyber Lions. The MOU allows the Lions “Rescue Tube Group” to install and maintain 20 rescue tubes at various locations from Kahala to Kailua. Reaching the agreement required the skills and expertise of many Lions with primary roles played by Lions Kendrick Chang, Frances Lum, Eric Kvick, and Allen Umeda who spent countless hours in zoom meetings and very long email threads. The MOU was finally signed in the fall of 2023.
Once signed many Lions moved into installation mode. Waikiki Rotary donated 20 new rescue tubes to the cause and Lions Frances Lum, Diane Taira and Nancy Rocheleau meticulously wrote instructions and safety themes on all the tubes. Then in October Lion Allen Umeda and myself replaced the existing tubes with new ones (Allen did the up and down trek to Rock Bridge). Followed in November and December by the 14 new installations. Lion Joel Leo and others installed many with the final tube including a trek down to the Makapuu tide pools being accomplished by Kendrick Chang, Zeke Bernardo-Flores and Joel Leo.
Then after the Holidays the MOU and installations were celebrated at a Jan 10th news conference at Sandy Beach. Speakers included Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Ocean Rescue Lt. Kawika Eckart, Lions Kendrick Chang, and Allen Umeda. The press conference resulted in front page press and news media coverage.
The total funds spent for this phase of the project was $940.94 mostly for installation hardware came from the rescue tubes own fund. The Rotary donation of 20 tubes saved our club approximately $1,800.
The Rescue Tube Committee thanks all Lions and others who made this possible.
Any Lions wishing information or to participate in this project please contact Lion Eric Kvick or Lion Allen Umeda.