01/25/16 – Grounded Vessel At Kohanaiki to be Removed By Salvage Firm, Operator Cited for no Required Boater Safety Course Completion

Posted on Jan 25, 2016 in Boating & Ocean Recreations, News Releases

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE
GOVERNOR
SUZANNE D. CASE
CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release January 25, 2016    

GROUNDED VESSEL AT KOHANAIKI TO BE REMOVED BY SALVAGE FIRM
 Operator cited for no required boater safety course completion 
 
KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII —  Salvage operations are expected to begin this week to remove a 39’ Coast-Guard documented powerboat “Hoku Kea,” which ran aground Friday evening off Kohanaiki beach, west Hawaii. 
 
Hawaii County closed Kohanaiki Beach Park pending removal of the boat and hazmat. Fuel leaked from the boat onto the immediate area of the beach, and debris from the boat was also found in the area.
 
The “Hoku Kea” is owned by Hoku Boats LLC. The owner had pollution insurance which hired PENCO to remove 400 gallons of diesel, a few quarts of oil and seven batteries on Sunday morning. They have also signed a contract with Cates International which will be on site tomorrow morning to begin the salvage removal process.   
 
The vessel owner was cited by DLNR for operating a vessel without a valid boating safety certificate required by state boating rules.
 
Swimmers and surfers are being asked to stay out of the water until authorities can clean up the fuel spill and remove the boat and debris from the area. 
 
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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward    
DLNR Communications specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320