Appropriates funds for salaries and benefits for lifeguards for the islands of Kauai and Maui in areas under the jurisdiction of the department of land and natural resources, subject to provision of county matching funds.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Lifeguards serve an essential function in a State surrounded by ocean and numerous freshwater attractions. They rescue people who get into trouble in the sometime unpredictable surf, administer first aid those who are injured, and teach others how to be safe in the water. Lifeguards allow the public to enjoy the natural beauty of our waters, thus contributing to Hawaii's reputation as a desirable place to live or visit. The islands of Kauai and Maui do not have state-funded lifeguards at state beach parks.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys to pay for lifeguards for the islands of Kauai and Maui in areas under the jurisdiction of the department of land and natural resources, subject to the provision of county matching funds.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $375,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for salaries, benefits, equipment, and other related expenses, to employ lifeguards for the island of Kauai, and the sum of $375,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for salaries, benefits, equipment, and other related expenses, to employ lifeguards for the island of Maui, in areas under the jurisdiction of the department of land and natural resources.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act; provided that no funds shall be expended under this Act for the county of Kauai unless the county of Kauai provides matching funds for the purposes of this Act; and provided further that no funds shall be expended under this Act for the county of Maui unless the county of Maui provides matching funds for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.