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Kauai's Lifesaving Innovation Goes Global for Beach Safety

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2 years ago

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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

Flood advisory in effect for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

9 hours ago

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January 4, 2026

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Flood advisory in effect for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island | Honolulu Star-Advertiser


UPDATE: 11:13 a.m.

A flood advisory is in effect for Oahu until 2:15 p.m. today due to flooding caused by excessive rainfall.

At 11:09 a.m., the radar showed heavy rain developing and traveling slowly eastward over Oahu.

“The heaviest rain is currently over the western half of the island, but is expected to fill in and move over the remainder of the island over the next few hours. Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 2 inches per hour,” forecasters said.

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Some locations that will experience flooding include Honolulu, Waipio, Mililani, Pearl City, Waikele, Wahiawa, Wheeler Field, Waipahu, Aiea, Kunia, Halawa, Waiahole, Waikane, Schofield Barracks, Salt Lake, Kahaluu, Moanalua, Ahuimanu, Iroquois Point and Ewa Beach.

Meanwhile, the flood advisories have been extended for Hawaii County and 1:45 p.m. and Maui County until 2:30 p.m.

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At 10:30 a.m., the radar showed heavy rain moving over portions of the Puna and Kau coasts. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, with the heaviest rates of up to 3 inches per hour between Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Pahoa, including portions of Pahoa Kalapana Road and Highway 11.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Glenwood,

Mountain View, Wood Valley, Hawaiian Acres, Pahala, Orchidlands Estates, Keaau, Pahoa, Punaluu Beach, Kawa Flats, Papaikou, Naalehu, and Fern Forest.

At 11:04 a.m., the radar showed heavy rain over portions of eastern Maui. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour with the highest rainfall rates in the upslope areas between Kaupo and Nahiku.

“While no significant impacts have been noted as of yet, additional rainfall over that area today is expected to produce more flooding concerns,” forecasters said.

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The flood watch remains for all Hawaiian Islands.

EARLIER COVERAGE

A flood watch is in effect for all Hawaiian Islands today through Monday afternoon due to the possibility of flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall, according to the National Weather Service.

A deepening Kona low north of Kauai is expected to move southwest today and Monday before turning west. Thunderstorms and heavy showers will affect the region over the next couple days leading to the flash flood threat. Winds may strengthen to wind advisory levels Monday for lower elevations and high wind warnings on Hawaii island summits. Lingering moisture may keep rain over the state through the week.

>> Prepare for rainy weather as Kona low hits Hawaii

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“Flood prone roads and other low lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams,” according to the forecast. “Urban areas may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff. Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain.”

The greatest flood risk is along the southeastern mountain slopes of Maui and Hawaii counties as deep moisture spreads up the slopes.

The flood watch may be extended into Tuesday if weather conditions persist.

Flood advisories are also in effect for Hawaii County until 10:45 a.m. today, while Maui County will remain in effect until 11:30 a.m. today.

At 7:45 a.m. today, the Hawaii island radar indicated heavy rain traveling over portions of Puna and Kau coasts. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, with isolated heavier rainfall rates of 3 inches per hour between Pahala and Pahoa including areas of Pahoa Kalapana Road and Highway 11.

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Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Glenwood, Mountain View, Wood Valley, Hawaiian Acres, Pahala, Orchidlands Estates, Keaau, Pahoa, Punaluu Beach, Kawa Flats, Papaikou, Naalehu, and Fern Forest.

At 8:19 a.m. today, the Maui County radar showed heavy rain continuing to develop and move over the eastern portions of the island. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour with the highest rates and totals found in the upslope areas between Kaupo and Nahiku.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Kipahulu, Kaupo, Hana, Haleakala National Park and Hamoa.



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Volcanic Ash: Tom Coffman a must read for understanding Hawaii | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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21 hours ago

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January 4, 2026

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Volcanic Ash: Tom Coffman a must read for understanding Hawaii | Honolulu Star-Advertiser




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Hawaii delegation raises legal concerns over Venezuela

Published

1 day ago

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January 3, 2026

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Hawaii delegation raises legal concerns over Venezuela


HONOLULU (KHON2) — Three of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation released statements on Saturday, Jan.3, in response to President Trump’s overnight operation in Venezuela.

“At a time when Americans can’t afford rent, healthcare, or groceries, the Trump administration found time and money for regime change in Venezuela, risking a war that Americans don’t want. Before we spend another dollar on this reckless conflict, the American people deserve answers, including what this administration’s exit strategy is. Americans wanted help and hope in 2026, not another war,” said Tokuda.

U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02)

Others echoed concerns about the legality of the operation, pointing to both international law and the U.S. Constitution. While acknowledging Venezuela’s political situation, some members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation said military action raises serious questions that extend beyond the actions of any one leader.

“Nicholas Maduro is an illegitimate and oppressive dictator and the people of Venezuela deserve better. But that alone doesn’t justify an armed attack on a sovereign country and forced regime change in violation of international law,” said Case. “And unless there was an imminent threat to our country, it doesn’t justify violating our Constitution and war powers law, which wisely reserves to Congress the grave decision to go to war.”

U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01)

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Case also emphasized that Congress plays a critical role in decisions involving war and military force.

“I don’t yet know the full facts or the President’s justification to attack Venezuela, place our troops in harm’s way, capture Maduro and administer the country,” said Case. “But the precedent of any President taking our country to war arbitrarily, single-handedly and without the approval of Congress has cascading effects that are far more dangerous.”

U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01)

Senator Brian Schatz also weighed in, saying the operation could put American lives and interests at risk.

“President Trump is jeopardizing American lives and interests — and stating plainly that the purpose is for U.S. oil companies to make money in Venezuela. Either these companies knew about these plans in advance, or he’s ordering corporations to be a part of his effort to overthrow another government,” said Schatz. “This operation is illegal under international law and unconstitutional without prior congressional approval. The United States should not be running other countries for any reason. We should have learned by now not to get involved in endless wars and regime change missions that carry catastrophic consequences for Americans.”

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i)

Hawaii’s congressional lawmakers stressed that, while the situation in Venezuela is complex, military action should not be taken lightly.

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“Nicolas Maduro should be held accountable for his actions, but Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to overthrow his regime does nothing to make our country safer. Instead, without any authorization from Congress or any clear plan for what comes next, Trump is plunging our nation into a conflict that could put American lives at risk while destabilizing the region and our relationships with our allies,” said Hirono. “Trump’s characteristically chaotic suggestion that the U.S is “going to run” Venezuela indefinitely, without any details, shows his disregard for the consequences of decades of misguided American intervention around the world. Trump promised to “end forever wars” and not engage in regime change. As usual, he says one thing and does another.”

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)

With questions still surrounding the operation, Hawaii’s congressional leaders say transparency and oversight are critical moving forward. They stated that decisions of this extent should not be made without the involvement of Congress or the public.



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