Surfer Lily Able honored with newly built lifeguard tower
10 new lifeguards graduate from Honolulu Ocean Safety Department
The Hawai'i Fire Department held a blessing ceremony on June 13 at 3:30 p.m. to commemorate the tower's launch and remember Lily Able, a young surfer who suffered fatal injuries while surfing at Kohanaiki.
Her passing deeply impacted the local surf community — and especially her mother, Rachel Able, who became a driving force behind the push for enhanced beach safety.
'This tower is more than infrastructure — it is a commitment to protecting lives and honoring Lily's legacy,' Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said.
According to officials, Rachel worked closely with county leaders and the fire department to make the tower a reality.
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The structure was built with funds allocated through the department's FY2025 budget, with full-time Ocean Safety officers now staffing the tower daily.
This lifeguard tower is now the 13th under Hawai'i Fire Department's Ocean Safety program, making Kohanaiki one of the many beaches now covered by trained personnel certified in open-water rescue, advanced first aid, CPR and public education.
Mayor Kimo Alameda said the new addition reflects not only the county's ongoing safety efforts but also the determination of families and residents to protect future generations.
'Many community members in North Kona have shared how happy they are to see lifeguard service at Kohanaiki Beach Park,' Alameda said. 'I am grateful for Rachel and everyone at the county who put in the work to make this project a reality.'
The ceremony included a traditional Hawaiian blessing led by Dr. Holeka Inaba, followed by remarks from fire and county officials.For the Able family and many others, the tower will serve as a visible promise that Lily's memory will help protect others for years to come.
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