CIRA de CASTILLOTGI Staff Writer LIHU’E — Mayor Maryanne Kusaka is urging State Rep. Eric Hamakawa, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, to schedule a hearing on a bill (SB 2001) that will give the counties the same protection the
CIRA de CASTILLOTGI Staff Writer
LIHU’E — Mayor Maryanne Kusaka is urging State Rep. Eric Hamakawa, chair of
the House Judiciary Committee, to schedule a hearing on a bill (SB 2001) that
will give the counties the same protection the state has against lawsuits
related to drowning and other accidents at State parks.
If the bill is
passed, the county would be able to place lifeguards at state beach parks and
provide much needed protection for visitors and residents who get into trouble
while swimming in Kaua’i’s deceptively dangerous waters.
This request is
highlighted by the loss of another visitor who drowned last week at Polihale
State Park, the second drowning at a Kaua’i beach this year.
Thirteen
people lost their lives in waters off Kaua’i last year giving the county the
dubious reputation of recording the most drownings statewide.
“There is no
more compelling reason to move forward quickly on this matter than to spare
other families such devastating heartbreak,” Kusaka said in her request to
Hamakawa.
The bill is supported by counties throughout the state and has
met with resistance from the Attorney General.
If the bill is not heard by
April 7 it will be dead for this legislative session.
Rep. Hamakawa
(South Hilo-Puna) can be reached toll free at 274-3141 ext. 68480 or by E-mail
rephamakawa@capitol.hawaii.gov.
