HONOLULU (KHON 2) — State officials with the Department of Land and Natural Resources have a new message for the cruise ship industry.
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The notice comes following an investigation into whether the cruise ship violated state regulations by sailing too close to Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.
DLNR began the investigation after local residents expressed concerns about cruise ships operating within 3,000 feet of the shoreline.
According to DLNR, photos taken by local residents show the boat coming quite close to shore.
On May 29, the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement closed its investigation, saying there was no conclusive evidence to determine whether the cruise ship violated state regulations.
Officials said the incident had caused great anxiety among local residents as the area is heavily policed.
“We recognize the cruise ship industry’s contributions to our state’s economy. However, DLNR’s mission is to protect Hawai’i’s precious and unique natural and cultural resources, now and forever. We want the industry to know that DLNR and the local community will be closely monitoring their activities not only along the Na Pali Coast, but throughout our state’s waters.”
Ministry of Land and Natural Resources News Release
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The DLNR urges the cruise ship industry to operate in compliance with the law as recreational activities take place in calm coastal waters.
