'Roughwater Swim bill' deferred

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

A councilman's attempt to give the city some control over recreational events was set aside yesterday because the city has no jurisdiction over ocean sports.

Public Safety and Intergovernmental Affairs Chairman Donovan Dela Cruz proposed the bill in response to the Waikiki Roughwater Swim Sept. 1 when at least 260 swimmers had to be rescued because of strong currents.

Bill 67 would give the city parks and recreation director the authority to cancel or postpone events when ocean conditions are deemed dangerous.

At the time of the Roughwater Swim, the Fire Department said winds were gusty, but otherwise there was no indication there would be a problem.

Dela Cruz's committee deferred the bill yesterday.

"The parks department, (Emergency Medical Services), the fire department and civil defense all came to see me because they don't have control over ocean sports," he said.

Dela Cruz said he will draft a resolution that asks the Legislature to provide the Department of Land and Natural Resources with the authority to cancel such events, since ocean events fall under its jurisdiction.

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.