Commercial Activities

Participants can register at: https://ce.uhcc.hawaii.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=43809   There is a prerequisite for signing up for this class.  All participants must take a basic boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the State of Hawaii.  Find out more about basic boating safety courses at: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/mandatory-boating-safety-education-qa/   Holders of Merchant Mariner ...
Read More Scheduled Thrill Craft Certification Classes

A NOTICE FOR OPERATORS OF SMALL BOATS <26′ Starting April 1st, 2021, operators of boats under 26′ long will be required to wear an engine cut-off switch link while riding on a plane or above displacement speed. Fines for non-compliance will start at $100. The Coast Guard will begin enforcing this law on 4/1/21 in ...
Read More New Federal Lanyard Law for Boats Under 26′

IF YOU’RE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR TURTLES, MAYBE YOU’VE SEEN SOME HAWKSBILLS! Click on an image to enlarge. Although rare to find, Hawaiian hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) inhabit the same coastal waters with our more common green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas).  If you’re lucky enough to discover one, please send your sighting information to Hawaiian ...
Read More Have You Seen this Turtle?

SEALS, TURTLES AND OTHER MARINE LIFE NEED OUR HELP! Best fishing practices can prevent injuries.  Your phone call can save a life! Click on image to enlarge.    Best practices for Fishing around Protected Species: Prevent the Event – Always watch your gear If you see a seal while fishing, consider taking a short break ...
Read More Reporting Hooked or Entangled Marine Animals

Upcoming Rule Amendments Bulletins on Severe Weather Facility Closures Construction Alerts Sign up for email and text alerts on DOBOR updates.    

Keehi Small Boat Harbor office will be closed to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Thursday, October 1, 2020 until further notice.  Staff shortages have prompted the change.  The office will be in operation but closed to the public so DOBOR staff can keep up with necessary paperwork and administrative duties to maintain harbor ...
Read More KEEHI SBH OFFICE – NEW PUBLIC HOURS BEGINNING 10/1/20

Important October 5, 2022 Update: Click here to view policy changes made by the U.S. Coast Guard regarding e-foil regulations.   An electric hydrofoil surfboard, also known as an “e-foil,” is: 1) a motorized vessel that must be registered; 2) not a thrill craft; 3) subject to carriage requirements for a Class A vessel like ...
Read More How are E-foils Regulated in Hawaii?

MONDAY – FRIDAY PUBLIC ACCESS RESTORED.  DOBOR’s Hawaii District Office and the adjacent Honokohau Harbor Office will again be open to the public Mondays through Fridays (except State holidays) from 8am to 4pm beginning Monday, March 1, 2021. Customers can still mail in any payments, gross receipt forms and permit renewal documents to the harbor ...
Read More Hawaii District and Honokohau SBH – Days of Operation Changing

The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is inviting the public to sign up for email and text notices of division plans and actions that may impact the public.  Those who visit the signup page can enter their e-mail address and/or phone numbers (for phones capable of accepting text messages). Data charges will apply.  ...
Read More DOBOR INVITES THE PUBLIC TO SIGN UP FOR EMAIL AND TEXT NOTICES

HONOLULU – New fees and permit requirements are now in effect for commercial recreational operations in state small boat harbors, facilities, and near shore waters. Any company or individual conducting commercial activity is now required to contact the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) for a permit.