I am on the redeye to Los Angeles tonight, but wanted to get this news release posted. Apparently, there has been some concerns about starting and finishing canoe regattas in the various harbors and the Coast Guard and State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources are crafting policy to address the issue.
The news release is available here at Hawaii247.
Per the release, the new guidelines are:
- DLNR and the USCG will not completely ban racing in the three specified boat channels but have placed very strict guidelines and requirements for their use as racing venues. Both DLNR and the USCG would allow racing in boat channels if all safety requirements are met.
- To conduct an organized race in Ala Wai, Keehi and Maunalua Bay channels, DLNR’s Marine Unit of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) would need to be contracted to continuously monitor and direct vessel traffic during racing. The fee for DOCARE’s Marine Unit is $1500 for four hours. There is a four hour minimum.
- Safety requirements for all marine events conducted in State waters are detailed in Marine Event Permits issued by DLNR with the concurrence of the USCG. Marine event permits are required for all marine events involving groups of participants and watercraft.
- Each request for a Marine Event Permit has been, and always will be, reviewed on a case-by-case basis and safety requirements will be stipulated according to the type of event, number of participants and number/types of vessels.
The full text of the release can be downloaded here.
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