Restrictions needed for safety reasons
Restrictions needed for safety reasons
I don’t know if you have designated “thrill craft areas” in Hanalei Bay, but I have seen several close calls. I frequently paddle my kayak around “Middles Reef,” an area from Waioli Stream to Waikoko Point, 4 to 8 feet in depth. I was out fishing one calm day and noticed thrashing in the water. Turned out to be three young men spearfishing 100 yards offshore in this area.
Minutes later, a high-speed thrill craft, not just a normal Jet Ski, but a larger version capable of holding four passengers, raced through the area described at 30 knots right through the area the young men were diving. Someone would sure have been gravely hurt if the craft had hit them. I paddled over to warn them as they had no diver’s flag.
Anyway, there were three Jets Skis parked over the shallow reef. The ocean was flat calm. They were taking turns teaching (commercial activity?) surfboard towing across the shallow reef. It was obvious because the riders kept falling off. Will the calm summer waters of Hanalei Bay be the scene of unregulated thrill craft?
Why are these dangerous vessels not restricted to deep waters?
Glenn Schot, Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is part of the North Ocean Recreation Management Area and has rules for water activity. Thrill craft are only allowed to operate on “high surf advisory” days and then only allowed ingress and egress for “tow in” purposes ONLY from the Hanalei River. The mooring area and River are both “NO WAKE ZONES” at all times. Reports should include date, time, vessel HA number to DOBOR or DOCARE.
Divers are also breaking the law not having a float and flag