KAILUA-KONA >> Hawaii County ocean safety officers will be able to use rescue watercraft in time for this summer’s peak recreation period.

West Hawaii Today reported Thursday the Hawaii County Fire Department is wrapping up a five-week training session with lifeguards this week. Fire officials plan to have the watercraft deployed on Hapuna and Pohoiki beaches this summer.

Gerald Kosaki, special operations battalion chief, said getting the watercraft has been a long time coming. He said the cost has previously held the county back.

Kosaki spoke with Mayor Billy Kenoi about getting watercraft to Hawaii island, and $320,000 was put into the Ocean Safety Division operating budget last year to launch the service.

There are six watercraft units on Oahu.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

County warns of scams aimed at water users

The Maui Department of Water Supply is warning customers about unauthorized phone calls from someone posing as a DWS representative and asking for personal information.

The caller offers to assist with resolving delinquent water accounts and requests Social Security numbers.

County officials said in a news release Thursday that a DWS employee will not ask for a Social Security number.

Customers who receive suspicious calls regarding water bill payments should contact the DWS Fiscal/Customer Service Office at 270-7730 and the Maui Police Department.