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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_02_13 Committee Report - Manta Ray (Investigation into the newly proposed definitioins and new rules to regulate Manta Ray Viewing Sites per DLNRVIEWING SITES OVERVIEW Investigation into the newly proposed definitions (Section 13-230-8) and new rules (Chapter 13-256) to regulate Manta Ray Viewing Sites per DLNR. COMMITTEE Chair: Natalie Reynolds Members: Robert Duerr, Teresa Nakama & Bryan Balancio ADDITIONAL PROPOSED RULES: Revision and additions of various definitions o Committee Comments: Wordage is vague. Need "defined" words or explanation behind wordage proposed. • Defines manta ray viewing hours from 4:00 p.m.- 4:00 a.m. the next day o Committee Comments: Tours do not operate after 11 pm. Mantas stop feeding by 11 pm. Amend rule time because it does not need to be stated. • Specific permits at a fixed monthly fee of $300.00, in addition to commercial use permit fees o Committee Comments: If the permits are reduced to 48, employees will be relieved, local businesses shutdown, and financial hardship for local families. Where does the $300+ additional fees go? Implement a guide -to -customer ratio of 8-to-1 o Committee Comments: n/o • Safety requirements including specific vessel lighting, propeller guards or safety lookout o Committee Comments: Define specific vessel lighting. Propeller guards do not save anyone and don't apply. Display of capital "M" on both sides of vessels o Committee Comments: Great idea, but size and color are not specified. Prohibiting fishing in the zones during manta ray viewing hours o Committee Comments: No fishing or spearing but suggests only hand gathering. Implement strict penalties for violations by commercial operators o Committee Comments: We believe that the proposed "one and done" suggestion is too aggressive, and some circumstances could be out of the owners' hands. Violation suspended for 30 days after first violation. Permit revoked after 3 violations. Additional suggestions/points: • Parking signs at Keauhou parking should be enlarged and lit. Current sizes and locations are difficult to read and see at night. Local business owners are having to stop business, run over to boat parking and direct tourists to park elsewhere. There is currently no lighting in this area. • Permit good for one manta viewing zone site. • Permit valid one year. With Annual renewal • 60 passengers in a 24-hour period per permit • One guide per 8 participants • Eligibility. Must hold a valid permit. At least 4 consecutive years. • View in zones or at least 7 miles from any designated zone - what does this mean? • DLNR or designee can only install moorings • Mooring time same as day use Chapt 13-257 • No wake in zones • No anchor • No rafting except kayaks, canoes, paddle boards • Only inside zone to secure mooring • No subsurface lights • No commercial scuba except in Makako Bay zone • Must have prop cage except jet ski or with designated lookout on watch • Not adding 13 moorings at each site • Keauhou should be allowed to have live boating due to location and strong currents as a safety precaution. • Makako Bay Manta viewing zone GPS coordinates cited • Kaukalaelae Point Manta View Zone GPS coordinates cited • "Campfire" only benefits scuba Exhibit FFF1. Makako Bay Manta Ray Viewing Zone Dated September 12, 2022 (Source: DLNR) Exhibit FFF2. Kaukalaelae Point Manta Ray Viewing Zone Dated September 12, 2022 (Source: DLNR) Ezhibft FFF2. Kaukalaelae Point Manta Ray Viewing Zone Map date: September 12, 2022 Point Point 1 A .,~ r Campfire ASH PO r s y ♦ , l� _ * y Point 3 _ Point 17