Whales 2-12-13

New rules will limit kayaking, paddling at Kealakekua Bay

By Ian Scheuring KEALAKEKUA BAY, BIG ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) - In an effort to "improve the management, quality and sustainability" of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources will temporarily limit the use of certain vessels in waters at the park. Beginning on January 2, 2013, there will be no operating, launching, transiting, beaching or landing of kayaks and other vessels from Napoopoo, within the waters of Kealakekua Bay, and at Kaawaloa Flats. Also prohibited in the closed area will be other floatation devices and watercraft such as stand-up paddle boards, surfboards, and boogie boards. However, these items can still be used outside the closed area. Swimming and snorkeling are allowed in the bay, but no landing anywhere or entry at Kaawaloa will be permitted. "DLNR recognizes Kealakekua State Historical Park's deep cultural significance, the quality of its marine resources and the overall economic value to both the local community and the visitor industry," said William J. Aila Jr., DLNR chairperson. "This management action is needed to ensure the sustainability of this resource now and in the future." The proliferation and use of unpermitted kayak rentals being conducted at Napoopoo have resulted in concerns about their subsequent impact on the general public's experience and the quality of resources in the water and at Kaawaloa Flats. Specific vessels with existing permits will be allowed, and new permits for specific vessels --which will only be allowed to transit the water -- are being prepared. Once certain planned management and regulatory action is completed, the launching and landing of kayaks at Napoopoo and Kaawaloa Flats will be allowed. The Division of State Parks is developing an online permitting system that will allow permits for a maximum number of kayak rentals to be used by visitors per day, and will issue annual permits for residents' kayaks along with pre-existing authorized kayak tour operators with established patronage limits. After the moratorium is lifted, all commercial activity, and recreational kayak and vessel use at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park will require a permit. Copyright 2012 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

Sea Monster

Found this big Whale Shark off of Red Hill the other day! Very friendly, made several passes around the boat even a couple of bumps.

First Humpback Has Arrived

We saw our first whale of the season the other day! They are all on their way down from Alaska for another winter in Hawaii. Stay tuned we'll start posting whale pictures as soon as we get 'um.

Capt'n Bill

Capt'n Bill, Erin and happy guests at End of the World

My How Times Have Changed...

A group of 27 sailors in their tropical whites sit around the monument. This photo is thought to date from about 1880. There is a possibility that these sailors are a work party from HMS Fantome which delivered twelve 32 pound cannon to form the perimeter. The monument was erected in 1874, and the cannon were added several years later.

Good Day for Pilot Whales

Flat glassy water made for great Pilot Whale viewing! Kahea and Brittany were enjoying the day too...