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.