Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation

The U.S. Navy, and State Departments of Land and Natural Resources and Health have been meeting to discuss and prepare for an operation to provide for the safe detonation and removal of two sub-surface unexploded ordnance (UXO) of military origin located in Kaneohe Bay ocean waters. This operation entitled by the U.S. Navy as “Operation Kaneohe Bay Response” will require the detonation in place of one of the UXO, and the removal and transport of the other UXO to shore for disposal.

By request of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard has been contacted and requested to provide a Captain of the Port ordered Safety Zone needed to establish a security cordon around the UXOs for the safety of US Navy Explosive Ordnance personnel who will conduct the disposal operation and for the public. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has been involved in these meetings and will be participating as a law enforcement partner in this operation while the USCG Captain of the Port ordered Safety zone is in effect.

The Captain of the Port ordered safety zone established by a rule published in the Code of Federal Regulations by the U.S. Coast Guard which may be amended from time to time will state the following:

“The U.S. Military will be conducting hazardous operations approximately 50 yards west of Marker #5 in the Sanpan Channel Kaneohe Bay, Oahu on August 26th from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Vessel operators and recreational waterway users are advised to keep clear and maintain a distance of at least 700 yards, in all directions from position 21°27’18”N, 157°47’26”W. Law enforcement surface craft will be equipped with appropriate signals and markings and can be reached on VHF-Ch 16 and 82A. Additional information may be discussed with Water Front Operations at (808) 257-2941.”

The operation to enforce the safety zone is necessary to enable the partner agencies to carry out their duties to provide protection of the public and explosive ordnance disposal personnel.

As noted, DOCARE will be partnering with the U.S. Navy to support this joint operation and will provide the following functions:

-Support and assist with the enforcement of the safety zone.

-Identify and respond to zone breaches and violations as they are observed or dispatched.

-As may be required, arrest violators that breach the safety zones for Obstructing Government Operations (Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 710-1010).

-Provide a law enforcement presence to the extent possible, and as directed by appropriate authorities and in accordance with applicable guidelines during the times the safety zone is activated.

DOCARE will also continue to enforce all state and county laws, administrative rules, and ordinances.

 

Posted 8/25/21