Media release | Department of Land and Natural Resources

PROPOSED CHANGES TO BOATING ADMINISTRATIVE RULES GO TO PUBLIC HEARINGS BEGINNING TONIGHT

Proposed parking plan for Honokohau not subject of public hearings

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), is holding statewide public hearings this week on proposed amendments and additions to its Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR) for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.

On the Big Island the hearings are as follows:

Kona — 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 24 in the clubhouse of the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club, on the grounds of Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, 74-381 P4 Kealakehe Parkway, Kailua-Kona.

Hilo — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 25 in the ‘Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo.

“There are three main groups of amendments to be discussed at these public hearings,” said William J. Aila, interim DLNR chairperson. “It is a rule change package that the department scaled back from an original package introduced last year that contained over 70 amendments.”

“However, there is a limited focus in the public hearings being held tonight and through the end of the week. Just three main groups of amendments are involved. They will allow for personal partners of vessel owners to stay aboard a vessel for extended periods. They also provide a framework for commercial uses of Hanalei Bay, Kaua‘i and Kane‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu.”

“Also, one of the rules being amended is especially pertinent to anyone who has lost a berth in a DLNR harbor after forgetting to renew their mooring permit. Presently, without a valid permit, a vessel owner must immediately vacate their berth. The proposed amendment to HAR 13-231-5 gives the vessel owner more time to complete the renewal process before being evicted from a berth they worked hard to secure,” said Aila.

Aila further clarified, “The community has eagerly awaited their opportunity to provide their opinions about several issues, including a proposed parking plan for Honokohau on the Big Island, and proposed mandatory education which is intended to apply to every recreational boater. Those issues may be addressed in a future public hearing, but will not be discussed in the current round scheduled to begin tonight.”

“We encourage the public to research the proposed amendments that are up for discussion, formulate their own opinion and share that opinion with the department,” he added.