All parties interested in becoming certified to tow-in surf using a thrill craft (aka personal watercraft, jetski) are required to first 1) complete a NASBLA and State of Hawaii approved basic boating safety course, and 2) complete the Recreational Thrill Craft Operator Safety Education Course offered by Windward Community College. Information on the basic boating ...
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Ocean Recreation Activities
Due to staffing issues, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation Honokohau Small Boat Harbor office will temporarily shift the types of transactions being handled at the harbor office. Effective October 18, 2021, the following procedures will be implemented: Harbor-related transactions (mooring permits, commercial use permits, etc.) will only be provided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and ...
Read More Honokohau Admin Change
Message for Hawaii boaters from NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Regional Office: NOAA Fisheries is announcing two rules to enhance the protection of Hawaiian spinner dolphins: A final rule that prohibits swimming with and approaching spinner dolphins within 50 yards or remaining within 50 yards of a Hawaiian spinner dolphin, including approach by interception. The prohibition ...
Read More New Rules To Protect Spinner Dolphins
(Honolulu) – The He’eia Kea Small Boat Harbor will be undergoing the installation of a new absorption bed system for a future wastewater treatment plant effluent disposal system beginning on September 7th. Work during this project includes saw cutting and removal of asphalt pavement, installation of absorption bed chambers, miscellaneous sewer piping and fittings, ...
Read More HE`EIA KEA IMPROVEMENTS
BE AWARE OF YOUR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Owners and operators of commercial vessels are required to relay information about a reportable marine casualty and accident to the US Coast Guard within 24 hours. Following a serious marine accident, drug testing may be required within 32 hours and alcohol testing may be required within two hours. The ...
Read More COMMERCIAL BOATING ACCIDENT REPORT REQUIREMENTS
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
CONSTRUCTION SLATED TO BEGIN APRIL 5TH. DLNR and DOBOR have announced plans to begin construction of a new concrete ferry pier at the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor beginning this April. The project will proceeded in stages to minimize impact on harbor users. The ferry that operates between Lahaina SBH and Manele Small Boat Harbor on ...
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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