This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Jimmy Barros, Deputy Chief for the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department joins host Brandi Higa, to discuss taking on a new leadership role, the evolution of the use of jet skis in ocean safety, and upward mobility for personnel within the department.
New Leadership Role
On Jan. 16, 2026, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced the promotion of veteran ocean safety leader Benjamin “Jimmy” Barros as the first-ever Deputy Chief of the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department (HOSD), a newly created executive position that strengthens the department’s leadership structure and enhances its island-wide operational readiness.
“Being in the role now and seeing the difference we can make, and having a leadership team that all came from the field, going through all the tiers, I think it’s going to make a difference,” said Deputy Chief Barros.
Barros brings more than 31 years of experience in lifeguarding, emergency medical response, training, and operational leadership to the role. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he earned a Master of Public Administration degree.
The evolution of the ski
Jet skis drastically cut down response times, allowing lifeguards to reach victims in heavy surf far faster than swimming. But they weren’t always a part of ocean rescue. Standardizing jet ski rescue techniques has taken years.
“In the initial phases, it wasn’t well received,” explained Barros. “Credit to Brian (Keaulana), Terry (Ahue), and Melvin (Pu‘u), they’re they innovators. They pushed it and they showed proof of concept by saving a lot of lives.”
A specialized, padded-sled is often attached to the back of the jet ski to enable the operator to pull victims out of the water quickly.
Creating a path of upward mobility
As Deputy Chief, Barros assists in overseeing daily operations, strategic planning, communications, and training initiatives for more than 300 ocean safety personnel protecting Oʻahu’s 227 miles of coastline. But then comes keeping those more than 300 personnel in the department. HOSD loses dozens of talented men and women each year who leave to join the fire department and other first responder agencies.
“The initial one is base pay, right? And then the other thing is we need to provide an upward ladder for our personnel. We have to. And that is Chief Lager – and myself – it’s one of our biggest goals,” added Barros.
To learn more about the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department, including job opportunities please visit: https://www.honolulu.gov/hosd/
