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Kauai's Lifesaving Innovation Goes Global for Beach Safety

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Kauai's Lifesaving Innovation Goes Global for Beach Safety


Those yellow rescue tubes started on Kauai beaches by someone BOH editors know, Dr. Monty Downs. They are now part of a worldwide lifesaving program. They made the news again when the installation of twenty rescue tubes on Oahu was announced in a press conference at iconic Sandy Beach Park. This is the same beach where editor Jeff once almost drowned. One question is why it took so long for these to get to Hawaii’s most populous island. Some have said that getting approval from the Honolulu City Council was difficult. But what happened next is as follows.

A real-time emergency took place during the actual press conference.

The emergency revolved around two men caught in a surf break at nearby Hawaii Kai. They were successfully rescued using the tubes and by Ocean Rescue. Not only that, but another incident occurred wherein a 20-year-old was also rescued at China Walls.

These lifesaving efforts began on Kauai many years ago.

These unassuming flotation devices are a highly useful means to combat drownings, particularly at beaches that lack lifeguard supervision. Drowning is globally recognized as the third leading cause of unintentional deaths. On Kauai, drownings spurred the Kauai Lifeguard Association’s commitment to maximizing ocean safety.

A total of 220 Rescue Tubes circle the island of Kauai, including at death-defying beaches. They have reportedly saved more than 150 people and potentially avoided 25 tragic drownings. These have become indispensable aids for those attempting to participate in water rescues. The shared flotation devices offer a stabilizing effect for the rescuer and the person needing help. The remarkable success of this life-preserving initiative has since transcended Kauai to the beaches of the Big Island, Maui, and now Oahu.

How to use rescue tubes.

If you encounter someone in distress, waving arms, or calling for help, dial 911 before using the tube. You must do this before attempting a rescue. That way, you know that help is on the way. Do not act instinctively or impulsively. Evaluate the risks and understand your limitations. If you are not a strong swimmer, you should not go out.

Remove the tube from the pole after calling 911, and strap it over your shoulder. You’ll find emergency instructions are printed on each tube. Pass the victim the tube as a shared flotation device. It’s important not to extend your hand because the person in distress may otherwise pull you under. Emphasize reassurance and calmness until professional help arrives. Rescue Tubes are crucial for ocean safety, designed to protect rescuers and stabilize distressed swimmers before lifeguard assistance is available.

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While waiting for help, you can both be on the same side of the tube and use it for flotation. Or if you can swim to shore, have the victim hold the back end of the tube while you sidestroke to the beach.

Lions and Rotarians spearheaded beach safety implementation.

The 4-foot-long rescue tube program was launched through two philanthropic organizations, the Lions Club and Rotary. This was done in concert with the Honolulu City Council, the Department of Recreation and Parks, and Ocean Safety.

Rescue Tube Foundation.

Rescue Tubes stand guard 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Always swim near a lifeguard when possible. When not, Rescue Tubes are there for all of us. Let’s enjoy our beautiful beaches and stay safe!

The Rescue Tube Foundation helped develop the public access personal flotation device in order to reduce avoidable deaths. The first tubes were placed on Hawaii beaches starting in 2008. They are now found on the U.S. mainland and Canada. ​Rescue Tubes are “designed to be available for anyone to use and protect themselves while they attempt to help a swimmer in distress.” That according to the Rescue Tube Foundation.

We wonder if future rescue tubes may also include GPS so they can be tracked in the water should they go missing.

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The exact locations are viewable at bit.ly/OahuBeachAccess. They include the following:

• Kawaikui Beach Park • Shoreline access points in Portlock (i.e. China Walls and Spitting Caves) • Kaiwi Coastline (i.e. Lāna‘i Lookout and Hālona Blowhole) • Sandy Beach Park (Wāwāmalu) • Makapu‘u Beach Park • Kaiona Beach Park • Waimānalo Beach Park • Hūnānaniho • Bellows Field Beach Park • Kailua Beach Park

Have you ever used a rescue tube or seen one used?

Lead image courtesy of Rescue Tube Foundation.





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Hawaii Island asks for the public’s assistance finding elderly woman, Jacquelyn Glenn

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Hawaii Island asks for the public’s assistance finding elderly woman, Jacquelyn Glenn


HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 82-year-old Jacquelyn Glenn of Kailua-Kona, who was reported missing by her family.

Police said she is considered endangered due to her age.

Glenn was last seen on Friday, Dec. 5, around 6:37 a.m., on the 75-200 block of Nani Kailua Dr. in Kailua-Kona.

She was wearing a peach-colored shirt, blue denim jeans, and black tennis shoes. She reportedly mentioned going to Hilo with friends, but did not say when she planned to return.

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She is described as 5′6″, 125 Ibs, with curly grey hair and brown eyes.

Police ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jacquelyn Glenn to call the Hawaii Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.



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Hawaii gets nearly $190 million for rural health care | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Hawaii gets nearly 0 million for rural health care | Honolulu Star-Advertiser




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Hawaiian announces $600 million airport, wide-body upgrades | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Hawaiian announces 0 million airport, wide-body upgrades | Honolulu Star-Advertiser


COURTESY HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

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Hawaiian Airlines today announced an investment of more than $600 million over five years to improve airport passenger areas across the state and interior upgrades to widebody aircraft.

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Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser ahead of today’s announcement at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that other improvements will include better apps, a better website that will make it easier for passengers to change flights, among other things that also include better integration with Alaska Airlines, which acquired Hawaiian in 2024, making it a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group.

“We have pushed a lot of change through the system for the last couple of months,” Rakow said. “We’re working on integrating our ticketing systems because right now we’re on two separate ticketing systems that don’t talk to each other.”

After late April, she said, booking on the shared Alaska Air and Hawaiian Air ticketing system “will be much more seamless.”

In announcing the renovations and changes, Hawaiian pledged “a significantly smoother guest experience … once Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines share the same passenger service system and Hawaiian Airlines joins the oneworld alliance, both scheduled for late April.”

Right now, Rakow acknowledged, “unfortunately there is some friction.”

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“There’s been so many changes and all of that friction is really painful,” she said. “We are committed to making sure we are addressing the issues. … We are certainly not perfect, but we are committed to working together. … Really, after April, it is going to improve significantly.”

Each island airport also will see renovated lobbies and gates designed to increase comfort, provide better seating and amenities such as improved power charging.

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Daniel K. Inouye International also will get a new 10,600-square-foot lounge at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1.

And starting in 2028, Hawaiian’s wide-body Airbus A330s will get new seats, carpets, lighting, business class suites, a Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment system with high-definition screens and free Starlink Wi-Fi.

Gov. Josh Green said in a statement ahead of today’s announcement that, “Hawaiian Airlines’ investment is exactly the kind of long-term commitment Hawaiʻi needs. Modern, welcoming airports improve the experience for residents and visitors alike, strengthen our economy and keep Hawaiʻi competitive as a global destination. We appreciate Hawaiian Airlines’ partnership in advancing workforce development, regenerative tourism, clean energy, and community programs that reflect the values of our islands.”

The New Year began with a .75% increase in Hawaii’s Transient Accommodations Tax that will help the state fight climate change.

Rakow said that Hawaiian is working to better inform inbound passengers about how to respect Hawaii’s culture and environment.

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Hawaiian said it will continue to support “programs promoting regenerative tourism, culture and conservation.”

The airline also said it will fund grants to nonprofit organizations “promoting cultural programs, environmental preservation, and perpetuation of native Hawaiian art and language through the Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation.”




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