The Black Pearl arrived in Oahu. The next "pirates" movies will be shot here in Hawaii! arrrgh
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Black Pearl
The Black Pearl arrived in Oahu. The next "pirates" movies will be shot here in Hawaii! arrrgh
Adios Kayaks
Since the new kayak rules have gone into effect most of the plastic has gone away! The ten a day permitted kayakers are still walking on the coral but it's a huge improvement.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Whale Alert!
We are currently look for a whale off the Kona coast--sighted today at the green can at Honokohau and off Kaiwi point. This whale appears to be very light in color from a far but upon closer inspection it looks like some scarring, whale lice and some sort of skin infection or problem. We do not know exactly what is causing the skin coloration but we would like to find this whale and do some more documentation and possibly get a skin sample for research. If you see this animal please call me on my cell immediately at 987 0765 so that we can respond and if possible stay on the whale until we or back up arrives so that we don't lose him/her. Thanks for your help and wow what a year for whales!!!
Justin Viezbicke
Marine Conservation Coordinator
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale NMS
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Kealakekua Bay visitors must have permits
THIS IS HUGE FOLKS! EVERY ONE OF OUR GUEST ASKS "WHY DON'T THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE KAYAKS." WELL IT'S HAPPENING NOW!
Associated Press
KAILUA, KONA, Hawaii — The state plans to protect corals and historical sites at Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park by requiring park visitors to obtain permits.
Starting Feb. 23, permits will be required for those seeking to land kayaks and other vessels along the Kaawaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf next to the Captain Cook Monument.
People commonly land vessels at Kaawaloa to get to the monument and to go snorkeling at Kaawaloa Cove.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Monday it's informing kayak rental vendors about the new permit requirement. It's also asking the companies to tell their customers.
Department spokeswoman Deborah Ward says the agency is encouraging visitors to enjoy the park responsibly.
Control needed to manage bay resource
by Carolyn Lucas
West Hawaii Today
clucas@westhawaiitoday.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 6:48 AM HST
A free permit to land vessels along the Kaawaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument will soon be required by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Starting Feb. 23, people must apply for a noncommercial general public permit at the Division of State Parks' Hawaii District Office, located at 75 Aupuni St. Room 204 in Hilo, or online at hawaiistateparks.org, under "announcements."
With the permit, they will receive information regarding sensitive sites and guidance on how to assist in preserving Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Kaawaloa peninsula, according to DLNR.
"By limiting access, we're increasing the value of the experience by reducing the pressure put on this very sensitive place," said Curt Cottrell, assistant administrator for the Division of State Parks. "This is a way to organize and manage the number of people who want to access the Kaawaloa flats, as well as educate them about the area's rich history. It also makes it a lot clearer for Division of Conservation and Enforcement to cite you for not having the proper permit. An enforcement officer will be able to tell exactly who belongs there and who doesn't."
A separate permit will be required for each vessel and each permit is valid for only one day. Only 10 of these noncommercial general public landing permits will be issued daily. DLNR determined the number by observing who was using the area with no intentions of making money. This included residents and visitors kayaking or on paddleboards without commercial guides, Cottrell said.
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Kaawaloa peninsula are two of Hawaii's most significant historical and cultural locations, with an abundance of fragile and significant archaeological sites. Kaawaloa is the shoreline commonly used to access the Captain Cook Monument from the bay and to beach vessels before snorkeling at Kaawaloa Cove.
Prior to the system, the only legal way to land a vessel at Kaawaloa was with one of the two permitted commercial operators, which was not fair to the public, Cottrell said.
"Residents can easily access free education and cultural practices that will provide guidance to ensure there is no accidental damage to the cultural sites," DLNR Chairwoman Laura Thielen stated in a prepared statement. "Visitors have guided tours to ensure they appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the areas and eliminate inadvertent damage. In the meantime, the entire bay remains open to all people to enjoy the pristine waters and marine life."
Adventures in Paradise owner Jeff Hand said requiring a landing permit for the general public is "a step in the right direction" to protect the area. He said the system will reduce the overall number of people in the area, thus reducing the impact.
Hand also said the new permit system puts everyone on the same page in regard to the rules. He said commercial operators are already required to have a permit from the Division of State Parks to land at Kaawaloa, as well as permit from the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to use Napoopoo Pier. He added that enforcement is critical in this system's success.
Hawaii Pack and Paddle owner Betsy Morrigan called the permit system "a very good beginning" and "an intelligent management decision."
Any person beaching or launching a kayak or other vessel along the Kaawaloa shoreline or mooring at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument without a permit from DLNR will be subject to civil penalty and the kayak or vessel may be subject to confiscation. An existing State Parks rule, HAR 13-146-13, prohibits landing, operating, leaving unattended, beaching, parking, launching, mooring and anchoring of vessels where prohibited by signage. Fines may be imposed by law. Signs will be posted at entry locations along the bay to notify everyone of the system and provide information on how they can obtain a permit. The Division of Conservation and Enforcement will have a presence, Cottrell said.
Those who do online permit applications are required to send the signed document via e-mail to Dean.H.Takebayashi@hawaii.gov, mail it to the Division of State Parks' Hawaii District Office or fax it to 974-6222. Once reviewed and approved, the application will be e-mailed, mailed or faxed back to the respective applicant.
For more information, call Division of State Parks' Hawaii District Office at 974-6200.
Associated Press
KAILUA, KONA, Hawaii — The state plans to protect corals and historical sites at Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park by requiring park visitors to obtain permits.
Starting Feb. 23, permits will be required for those seeking to land kayaks and other vessels along the Kaawaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf next to the Captain Cook Monument.
People commonly land vessels at Kaawaloa to get to the monument and to go snorkeling at Kaawaloa Cove.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Monday it's informing kayak rental vendors about the new permit requirement. It's also asking the companies to tell their customers.
Department spokeswoman Deborah Ward says the agency is encouraging visitors to enjoy the park responsibly.
Control needed to manage bay resource
by Carolyn Lucas
West Hawaii Today
clucas@westhawaiitoday.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 6:48 AM HST
A free permit to land vessels along the Kaawaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument will soon be required by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Starting Feb. 23, people must apply for a noncommercial general public permit at the Division of State Parks' Hawaii District Office, located at 75 Aupuni St. Room 204 in Hilo, or online at hawaiistateparks.org, under "announcements."
With the permit, they will receive information regarding sensitive sites and guidance on how to assist in preserving Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Kaawaloa peninsula, according to DLNR.
"By limiting access, we're increasing the value of the experience by reducing the pressure put on this very sensitive place," said Curt Cottrell, assistant administrator for the Division of State Parks. "This is a way to organize and manage the number of people who want to access the Kaawaloa flats, as well as educate them about the area's rich history. It also makes it a lot clearer for Division of Conservation and Enforcement to cite you for not having the proper permit. An enforcement officer will be able to tell exactly who belongs there and who doesn't."
A separate permit will be required for each vessel and each permit is valid for only one day. Only 10 of these noncommercial general public landing permits will be issued daily. DLNR determined the number by observing who was using the area with no intentions of making money. This included residents and visitors kayaking or on paddleboards without commercial guides, Cottrell said.
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Kaawaloa peninsula are two of Hawaii's most significant historical and cultural locations, with an abundance of fragile and significant archaeological sites. Kaawaloa is the shoreline commonly used to access the Captain Cook Monument from the bay and to beach vessels before snorkeling at Kaawaloa Cove.
Prior to the system, the only legal way to land a vessel at Kaawaloa was with one of the two permitted commercial operators, which was not fair to the public, Cottrell said.
"Residents can easily access free education and cultural practices that will provide guidance to ensure there is no accidental damage to the cultural sites," DLNR Chairwoman Laura Thielen stated in a prepared statement. "Visitors have guided tours to ensure they appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the areas and eliminate inadvertent damage. In the meantime, the entire bay remains open to all people to enjoy the pristine waters and marine life."
Adventures in Paradise owner Jeff Hand said requiring a landing permit for the general public is "a step in the right direction" to protect the area. He said the system will reduce the overall number of people in the area, thus reducing the impact.
Hand also said the new permit system puts everyone on the same page in regard to the rules. He said commercial operators are already required to have a permit from the Division of State Parks to land at Kaawaloa, as well as permit from the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to use Napoopoo Pier. He added that enforcement is critical in this system's success.
Hawaii Pack and Paddle owner Betsy Morrigan called the permit system "a very good beginning" and "an intelligent management decision."
Any person beaching or launching a kayak or other vessel along the Kaawaloa shoreline or mooring at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument without a permit from DLNR will be subject to civil penalty and the kayak or vessel may be subject to confiscation. An existing State Parks rule, HAR 13-146-13, prohibits landing, operating, leaving unattended, beaching, parking, launching, mooring and anchoring of vessels where prohibited by signage. Fines may be imposed by law. Signs will be posted at entry locations along the bay to notify everyone of the system and provide information on how they can obtain a permit. The Division of Conservation and Enforcement will have a presence, Cottrell said.
Those who do online permit applications are required to send the signed document via e-mail to Dean.H.Takebayashi@hawaii.gov, mail it to the Division of State Parks' Hawaii District Office or fax it to 974-6222. Once reviewed and approved, the application will be e-mailed, mailed or faxed back to the respective applicant.
For more information, call Division of State Parks' Hawaii District Office at 974-6200.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Whale and Booby Watch 2/2/2010
Captain Steve and Susan and Megaptera enthusiasts wandered in search of their quarry and found..a brown Booby! Sitting in a boat. There are some Booby's nesting in these here parts and we've seen a few around. They dive from the air & plunge into the water to grab fish with their pointed beaks Booby's have air sacs under the skin of their face to help absorb the shock of impact. How cool is that?! Okay, onto the whales. We were fortunate to spend time with two whales, who breached and and did repeated head slaps up, out and back down onto the water. They delivered us home to Keauhou Bay. Mahalo Kohola. More pics at www.thecottoncandystudio.com.
Whale Watch 1/31/2010
Well, today Captain Mar, Biologist Susan and the intrepid Adventurerers got plenty of practise at the little know technique we call "whale waiting". This would be the parts between whale "watching". It is an important strategy in sighting and resighting animals that spend most of their time under water. Tracking diving times and scanning the horizon we sighted several whales who appeared for a few breaths and mysteriously disappeared into the blue. Humpbacks are mysterious like that. After patience and searching, we were rewarded with...snacks and juice! Oh, and also we saw a breach and then watched a large whale do repeated pec (pectoral fin) slaps on the water. Loud enough to hear. Check out the pic with that big long (can be 15 ft) pec fin and tail sticking out of the water, as the whale rolled onto its side. Hence the scientific name Megaptera ("Big-winged) novaeangliae. Susan K
Whale Watch 1/29/2010
Well, today we had an amazing find just minutes out of Keauhou Bay. We have fast engines to go find the whales, but this trip was all about slow and steady. Captain Liam, Susan and the whale spotters came across a heat run or "competitive pod" heading south close to the shoreline. We slowly followed their progress with lots of behaviours, yes, the kind that humpback boys carry on when competing to be the females #1. For the moment. Monogamy is not part of the humpback lifestyle. This mammalian strategy may seem familiar...girls go for quality, boys go for quantity. Pods are transient, constantly changing. One way to ensure the survival of your species. A group of four whales turned to 5 and then split into two pods by the time we left them to head back home for the night. Breaches 4. Head slaps 6. Tail slashes 8. Motorboating 2. And lots of heavy breathing. Listen for the blow in the video!
Whale Watch 1/27/2010
Captain Shawny traveled us north and we found a few single whales wandering in the area. We then headed back to Kailua Bay and cruised past the cruise ship tenders bringing people back to the boat. We found a pod of spinner dolphins who gave us a great show of exactly why they are called "spinners". On the way home, we were able to spend time with a mom and calf and then headed back to good ole Keauhou Bay.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Whale Watch 2/05/2010
Captain Shawny and Susan and the whale enthusiasts..well...lets put it this way...It started off with "Was that a whale tail way out there?" and ended with a mom and baby breaching a circle around the boat. Oh, and we saw a baby Booby. And heard some whale song. More pics available at www.thecottoncandystudio.com.
Whale Watch 1/26/2010
We braved the wind and waves and saw a few whales doing 10 to 13 minute dives. Came across a large pod of spinner dolphins who we watched ride the waves. Found one whale that had clearly been entangled in something, perhaps a fishing line or net, in the past. Notice the deep indent in the back. Ended the day with a couple breaches! Yes, see that splash...a whale was there. Really.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Aloha
Captain Steve and Susan taking care of their snorkelers on a flat glass calm day in Kealakekua Bay.
Entangled humpback with yellow cylindrical buoy re-sighted off Big Island
On February 2, 2010 at 09:15 , the humpback whale carrying a yellow cylindrical buoy was re-sighted 7.5 nm NNE of Keahole Point, Big Island. The animal is heading south at about 1.3 kts. Line appears wrapped around the animal's head, possibly involving the mouth, and around the tailstock. The yellow cylindrical buoy that was first reported on January 24, 2010 is still attached and was riding along the left flank of the animal at the level of the dorsal fin.
The animal was reported by Doug Perrine and Julie Steelman, who attempted to standby/ monitor the animal until trained responders Justine Veizbicke (HIHWNMS), Brent Carmen (DAR), and Steve Cotton (DAR) could arrive on scene and attach a telemetry buoy. As this time (13:00) the response team, aboard a DAR vessel, is attempting to re-locate the animal.
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