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Honokohau meeting on rule addition (May 30)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Fishing and Boating Association (HF&BA) believes in and promotes safe boating in all cases. However, the HF&BA strongly suggests that all boaters review the proposed rule addition to Chapter 13-244-15.5 Hawaii Administrative Rules, Ocean Recreation and Coastal Areas DLNR/DOBOR.

HF&BA officials believe this rule is written poorly and will affect a large portion of the population both financially and time wise.

The proposed rule addition has passed through the various DLNR, DOBOR and State committees with little community input or testimony.

All boaters are urged to attend one of the DLNR public hearings held throughout the state, on the proposed adoption of Title 13, Section 13-244-15.5 HAR, Operation of Power Driven Vessels (boating licenses).

The proposed new section requires all operators possess a certificate of completion from a state and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved course on the safe use and operation of certain power driven vessels.

The meeting in Kona is 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau.

All interested parties are invited to attend and to present their
views. The rule can be viewed at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor/boardraftrules.htm

There are also copies at all small boat harbors.

There is concern among boaters about the three to four hours to complete the on-line course; the fees which are currently about $35 to $50 and the requirement that the certificate must be carried at all times on any boat you are operating.

The penalties are fairly severe at $50 to $1,000 fine or 30 days in jail or 30 day suspension of boating privileges. There is no definition of vessel, size, type or horse power; no prior experience or age exemptions; increased enforcement personnel cost and court costs; a burden of cost to individuals and businesses in the community and the ambiguity of interpretation.

One Response to “Honokohau meeting on rule addition (May 30)”

  1. GP says:

    I wish the water-logged buoy in Kailua Bay gets replaced soon. I don’t understand the continued delay.

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