Commercial Activities

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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?

This is to clarify questions regarding commercial boating as it pertains to the recent Oahu Mayor’s Emergency Order No. 2020-25, https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/may/may_docs/Emergency_Order_No._2020-25_-_signed_clean_typo_fix.pdf.  Only Essential Businesses as defined in Section F of the Order are permitted to operate.  Commercial marine operators that provide tours such as sunset cruises, snorkeling, surf schools, catamaran rides, scuba diving, etc. are ...
Read More Oahu Mayor’s Emergency Order No. 2020-25, Impact on Commercial Boating

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) – The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) has closed the public loading dock at the Maunalua Bay boat ramp in east O‘ahu. Engineers are condemning the dock due to structural failure. They report the concrete pier structure could collapse into the water.

HONOLULU – The popularity of manta ray viewing sites at Makako Bay (Garden Eel Cove) along the coastline fronting the Sheraton Keauhou Bay on the Big Island’s Kona coast has captured media, state and federal attention. These manta ray viewing opportunities are unique worldwide and tours are conducted in two specific areas where mantas tend to congregate at night to feed on plankton. In recent years it has come to the attention of the DLNR that commercial manta ray night snorkeling and diving at these two popular sites has expanded considerably and the activity is in need of regulation in order to preserve the resource and prevent the dangers posed by overcrowding. The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) is actively engaged in responsibly investigating the tour operations taking place and working to further regulate manta tour activities for safety and for the environment.

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.

HONOLULU -- The Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) today authorized an civil penalty fine of $2,500 and associated administrative costs of $753 to be assessed against Alexander Aquino, of Captain Cook, for violation of State Parks Hawaii Administrative Rule chapter 13-146-68, which prohibits commercial activities in State Parks without a written permit from the board or the Division of State Parks.