State Sen. Angus McKelvey is calling on the Board of Land and Natural Resources to impose the maximum penalty of the owners of a vessel that caused significant damage to the reef at Honolua Bay last year.

What You Need To Know

  • The Nakoa grounded outside the Honolua-Mokuleia Bay Marine Life Conservation District on Feb. 20, 2023

  • In written testimony submitted in advance of the meeting, state Sen. Angus McKelvey stated that “the reef, a vital habitat for numerous marine species and a popular destination for divers and snorkelers, has suffered irreparable harm due to the actions of the Nakoa‘s owners” 

  • The senator said that imposing the maximum penalty would serve as an “essential deterrent” that would prevent future incidents

  • The board fined the Albert Revocable Trust, the yacht’s owner, $117,471 last year as part of a negotiated settlement

The Board is scheduled to meet on Friday to consider enforcement action against the owners of the Nakoa, which damaged and destroyed 119 stony coral specimens and 1,640 square meters of live rock when it grounded outside the Honolua-Mokuleia Bay Marine Life Conservation District on Feb. 20, 2023.

In written testimony submitted in advance of the meeting, McKelvey stated that “the reef, a vital habitat for numerous marine species and a popular destination for divers and snorkelers, has suffered irreparable harm due to the actions of the Nakoa‘s owners.” 

Honolua Bay falls within the boundaries of McKelvey’s district.

“Aquatic life has been disrupted, fragile coral formations have been decimated and the ecological balance of the reef has been severely compromised,” McKelvey wrote. Furthermore, the destruction of this natural treasure has had a significant impact on the local community, which relies on cultural and recreational activities centered around Honolua Bay.”

The senator said that imposing the maximum penalty would serve as an “essential deterrent” that would prevent future incidents.
“The severity of this incident warrants a strong response from the Board, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding our coastal ecosystem and sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated,” McKelvey wrote.

The board fined the Albert Revocable Trust, the yacht’s owner, $117,471 last year as part of a negotiated settlement but reserved the right to pursue further penalties against operator Jim Jones and Noelani Yacht Charter.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.