Honorable Governor Linda Lingle
Executive Chambers
State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawai`i
96813
Phone: 808-586-0034
Fax: 808-586-0006


January 18, 2005


Dear Governor Lingle:

    On behalf of the three thousand individuals that utilize Makena State Park  on Maui daily
for ocean swimming and other forms of water recreation I would request that funding deleted
from the State Parks budget for life guards be reinstated.

    In 2004 at least four individuals died in the surf of Makena State Park. The first fatality
was Robert McKeon Young who died January 13, 2004. On January 15, 2004 a visitor from
Colorado broke his neck in the Makena surf. I understand another individual died the next day. As
recently as December 10, 2004 a 50 year old male from California died in the surf.

    In December 2004. I am aware of two other situations where individuals were resuscitated
by individuals on the scene who would have otherwise drowned.

    Numerous individuals have been injured in the dangerous shore brake of Makena. I have
observed the rescue crews out at Makena numerous times over the past year. I have requested
more detailed information from the Fire Department but have not received the information as of
this writing.

    What ever information they supply will not speak to the number of individuals that are
hurt or rescued from the surf by other bathers already on the scene. I am sure that most of these
injuries go unreported. I have learned that even the deaths that have occurred are not necessarily
known to the various agencies responsible for this area. I know that information disseminated to
the public regarding these drowning has been minimal or missing from the local media.

    Signs in the park clearly explain what a shore break is, but most visitors do not read or
understand what the message is all about. A living breathing life guard working the beach and
personally advising individuals of the level of danger that they face is the best solution that I am
aware of for this situation.

    As the former Mayor of Maui I know that you have some familiarity with the lifeguard
issue at Makena. Currently the visitor channel is touting Makena as the second best beach on
Maui and not mentioning it is the most dangerous (A view held by all the professionals concerned
with ocean safety that I have talked with).

    Marian Feestra, Chief of Aquatics requested $427,682 to implement life guard coverage at
Makena State Park. ( $262,532 for personnel, $28,000 operations, and $137,150 for equipment.)
That money has been taken from the State Park Budget request.

 With a copy of this letter and/or personal contact  I have approached the following legislative
representatives and other interested individuals in an effort to develop a win-win situation for the
citizens of Maui and our numerous guest whom we have a responsibility for their safety while
they visit.

    Much Mahalo for considering this request. If I can supply any additional information
please contact me. 
   

Sincerely,
original signed by  George R. Harker
George R. Harker

cc
Mayor Alan M. Arakawa,
Chairperson - Peter T. Young, State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources
Dan Quinn, Director State Parks, DLNR
Phil Ohta, Makena State Park Superintendent,
Marian Feestra, Chief of Aquatics,
Archie Kalepa, Supervisor of Ocean Safety Operations,
Ralph Goto Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division,
Chris Halford, 11th Representative District,
Joseph "Joe" Souki , 8th Representative District,
Rosalyn H. Baker, 5th Senatorial District,
J. Kalani English , 6th Senatorial District,
Assistant Fire Chief, Maui Fire Department,
Media

Mayor Alan M. Arakawa, COUNTY OF MAUI, 200 South High Street, Wailuku, Maui, Hawai`i 96793

Phone: (808)270-7855, Fax: (808)270-8073
       
Chairperson - Peter T. Young, State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources
Kalanimoku Bldg., 1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808)587-0400 Fax: (808)587-0390 Email:dlnr@exec.state.hi.us

Dan Quinn, Director State Parks,  Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State
Parks, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 310, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
Phone 808-587-0300
FAX 808-587-0311

Phil Ohta, Makena State Park Superintendent, DLNR, Div. Of State Parks Rm 101, 54 S. High
St., Wailuku, HI 96793 phone 808-984-8102
Marian Feestra, Chief of Aquatics, 275-C Uhu Street, Kahului, HI 96732 808-270-6137,
marian.feenstra@co.maui.hi.us
Archie Kalepa, Supervisor of Ocean Safety Operations, 275-C Uhu Street, Kahului, HI 96732
808-270-6137, archie.kalepa@co.maui.hi.us

Ralph Goto Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division, 3823 Leahi Avenue, Honolulu,
Hawai`i 96815 USA
Telephone: +1 (808) 922-3888, Facsimile: +1 (808) 922-0411, E-mail to:
Lifeguards"<lifeguards@aloha.com>

State Representatives
Chris Halford, 11th Representative District, Hawaii State Capitol, Room 305, 415 South
Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
phone 808-586-8525; fax 808-586-8529
From Maui, toll free 984-2400 + 68525
e-mail rephalford@Capitol.hawaii.gov

Joseph "Joe" Souki , 8th Representative District, Hawaii State Capitol, Room 433, 415 South
Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
phone 808-586-9444; fax 808-586-9499
From Maui, toll free 984-2400 + 69444
E-mail: repsouki@Capitol.hawaii.gov


State Senators

Rosalyn H. Baker, 5th Senatorial District, Hawaii State Capitol, Room 220, 415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
phone 808-586-6070; fax 808-586-6071
From Maui, toll free 984-2400 + 66070
e-mail senbaker@Capitol.hawaii.gov

J. Kalani English , 6th Senatorial District, Hawaii State Capitol, Room 205, 415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
phone 808-587-7225; fax 808-587-7230
E-mail senenglish@Capitol.hawaii.gov

Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Department, 200 Dairy Rd, Kahului, HI 96732
270-7561