“We commend members of the community, especially those from Honolua, who came forward to share their concerns.”
BLNR Chair Dawn Chang
#BigIslandNow #BigIslandNews
At its upcoming meeting on Jan. 26, 2024, the Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider enforcement action against the owners of the vessel Nakoa, which, in February 2023, grounded outside the Honolua-Mokulēʻia Bay Marine Life Conservation District. In the incident, 119 specimens of stony coral and 1640.5 square meters of live rock were damaged.
The decision to deliberate on a further penalty against Jim Jones and Noelani Yacht Charters came after the public and board members said the fine was too low.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is recommending a “conservative” fine of about $117,000 for the yacht owner responsible for damaging coral and live rock at Maui’s Honolua- Mokuleia Bay Marine Life Conservation District.