The Department of Land and Natural Resources sent a letter Friday to the cruise ship industry letting them know the state agency and community will be closely monitoring their activity. It also said, despite DLNR's inconclusive investigation, photos show a cruise ship was traveling too close to Kauai's Napali Coast.

The letter comes after DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement investigated a Celebrity Cruise Line ship, which went viral on social media because people said photos showed it was too close to Kauai’s Napali Coast, but ultimately the state agency found “insufficient evidence” that it violated any laws. 

State regulations stipulate that commercial vessels with 50 or more passengers may not operate within the Na Pali Coast ocean waters, including 3,000 feet seaward from the shore.  

In early May, DOCARE officers boarded the Celebrity Cruise Line ship after it docked in Honolulu, interviewing the captain who said he was unsure of the vessel’s distance from the coast. DOCARE officers also spoke to witnesses, but said no one could say with certainty whether the 3,000-foot seaward distance was violated.

However, DLNR's letter said “photographs appear to show the ship was indeed much closer to the shore,” than the 3,000-foot limit.

"This incident created a tremendous amount of angst in the community, as this area is highly protected and valued for its natural beauty and cultural significance," the letter said.  

Read the full letter below:

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.