Mahalo to Connor Lau for his appreciation of the city’s water safety officers, better known as lifeguards (“Lifeguards underpaid for life-or-death work,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, April 30).

Our lifeguards risk their lives every day to keep the public safe in and around the water. That’s why the Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD) did not support removing liability protection for lifeguards in 2017, and we urge state lawmakers to reconsider the issue during the next session.

Finally, a first-year city lifeguard earns $42,840 per year, which is more than the $35,000 per year listed by Lau. The creation of an HGEA bargaining unit for lifeguards in 2013 was a positive step, and HESD will continue to advocate for these highly dedicated men and women.

Jim Howe

Director, Honolulu Emergency Services

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