Lifeguards return to Makena

MAKENA - County lifeguards took their posts at Makena State Park on Friday, after a 15-year stretch when the often-treacherous beach was left unguarded.

Towers are located at both ends of the park popularly known as Big Beach. Lifeguards will be on duty from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week, and will be linked to the county's 911 emergency response system.

"The shorebreak and rip currents at this beach can be very dangerous for locals and visitors alike, and I am very grateful for everyone's efforts to establish this much-needed service at Makena," said Mayor Charmaine Tavares.

Tavares spoke at a graduation ceremony for new ocean safety officers Thursday at the Kalana O Maui building. Most of the new officers will be serving at Makena.

An official opening ceremony for the lifeguard towers will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the first entrance to Makena State Park.

The last time that lifeguards were posted at Big Beach was for an eight-month period in 1994, but the arrangement was discontinued because the county faced liability exposure for operating in a state park.

The current lifeguard staffing was made possible by a memorandum of agreement between the county and the state, according to a press release from the Department of Parks and Recreation. County lifeguards do not provide services at any other state park.

"Everybody who comes up to talk to us says the same thing: 'It's about time,'" said Makena District Captain Zach Edlao.