The Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR), approved initiating rule-making proceedings including public hearings, on a proposed set of rules regarding commercial manta ray viewing operations at two locations in the West Hawai‘i Ocean Recreation Management Area (ORMA).
The Division of Boating and Recreation (DOBOR) estimates between 60-70 viewing vessels get guests up close and personal with feeding manta rays in the Makako Bay (also known as Garden Eel Cove) and Kaukalaelae Point (also known as Keauhou Bay) ORMAs. The proposed rules would limit commercial viewing permits to 24, in each of the two designated zones. Boats could carry no more than 60 passengers for hire within a single 24-hour period and vessels would be subject to 2-hour-long shifts in each zone.
These rules would be the first of their kind in Hawai‘i. Currently there are no laws or rules that regulate manta ray diving or viewing activities which has led to overcrowding and associated safety concerns and user conflicts, and environmental impacts.
Additional proposed rules include the following:
- Revision and additions of various definitions
- Defines manta ray viewing hours from 4:00 p.m.- 4:00 a.m. the next day
- Specific permits at a fixed monthly fee of $300.00, in addition to commercial use permit fees
- Implement a guide-to-customer ratio of 8-to-1
- Safety requirements including specific vessel lighting, propeller guards or safety lookout
- Display of capital “M” on both sides of vessels
- Prohibiting fishing in the zones during manta ray viewing hours
- Implement strict penalties for violations by commercial operators
DOBOR is also proposing the official creation of two designated manta ray viewing zones, at the locations mentioned above.
Over the past eight years, DOBOR held a number of informational meetings in West Hawai‘i in addition to discussions with stakeholders and community members.
The BLNR approval of rule-making proceedings triggers public hearings, with dates yet to be announced.
DLNR Photo
