Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation

DLNR’s Marine Debris Response Team handles and/or coordinates cleanup of marine debris on DLNR jurisdiction.  Hawaii State law generally refers to “marine debris” as to any nonnatural obstruction or public safety hazard.  NOAA defines “marine debris” as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment.  Due to limited resources, DLNR prioritizes removal of large obstructions to waterways and navigable waters over smaller types of marine debris, such as microplastics.

General marine debris reporting: Please submit a report here

 

Information for boaters who discover marine debris in the ocean.

 

What to do if you discover an abandoned or derelict vessel:

Abandoned and derelict vessels in ocean waters and on the shoreline:
– Call 808-587-0405 and/or email a photo and location description with your contact information to: [email protected]
– You can also use the Marine Debris Report Form.

Abandoned vessels on land:
-Contact County authorities where the vessel is located to submit a report.  DOBOR does not have jurisdiction over vessels that are abandoned on land.

 

 

This page was last updated on 6/3/22.