New tech helps public identify hazards, lifeguards share data

As part of its ongoing modernization efforts, the City and County of Honolulu unveiled Tuesday a pair of new digital tools to help residents better understand hazard risks and assist Honolulu Ocean Safety Department personnel more efficiently share information and respond to dynamic situations.

 

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management's new Oahu Hazard Explorer online tool allows users to enter an address or click on a map to view whether the location is within a tsunami evacuation zone, flood zone, wildfire risk area or dam/levee evacuation area. The at-the-fingertips access to information is expected to help people prepare for potential hazards.

“Understanding your risk is one of the first steps in preparedness,†said DEM deputy director Jennifer Walter. “Previously, residents often had to consult multiple websites to find hazard information for different locations and hazards. The Oahu Hazard Explorer helps residents quickly identify hazards that may affect the places that matter most to them, including their homes, workplaces, or schools.â€

The new tool brings hazard-related information together on one platform, allowing users to view mapped hazard layers, understand how risks vary by location and generate printable reports for emergency planning.

Also on Tuesday, the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department rolled out its new Watchtower application, a new, fully digital reporting system that will replace the department's outmoded manual record keeping.

“The implementation of Watchtower represents an important investment in the future of ocean safety on Oahu,†said Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager. “Access to real-time information allows us to better understand what is happening across our beaches, make data-driven decisions, and respond more effectively to changing conditions. This transition not only improves efficiency for our personnel in the field, but also strengthens our ability to plan, manage resources, and enhance public safety. As our Department continues to grow, embracing technology like Watchtower ensures we are providing the highest level of service to our community.â€

With Watchtower, lifeguards and supervisors will be able to record daily activities electronically from the field, providing immediate access to operational data across the department. According to HOSD, the system enhances reporting consistency, reduces administrative workload and improves the department's ability to track trends, allocate resources, and support emergency response efforts.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.