HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

160

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO INCREASE ACTIVE PATROLS OF KAILUA BAY, Expand NO WAKE SPEED zones, and enforce boating safety rules.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's waters are an invaluable resource for residents and tourists alike; and

 

     WHEREAS, many of the State's most cherished recreational activities involve the ocean, including swimming, boating, free diving, snorkeling, and paddling; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation within the Department of Land and Natural Resources is tasked with promoting and attaining the safety of persons using State waters; and

 

     WHEREAS, one method of promoting and attaining water safety is prohibiting boats in certain areas from traveling at speeds above those that make the least possible wake; and

 

     WHEREAS, Kailua Bay is one of the most popular beaches in the State and attracts significant numbers of residents and tourists each day who swim, dive, paddle, boat, and enjoy the ocean; and

 

     WHEREAS, in early 2016, a free diver was accidently killed and another seriously injured in Kailua Bay when they were struck by boat propellers; and

 

     WHEREAS, as windward Oahu beaches continue to grow in popularity, there is more opportunity for ocean goers to be injured or killed by those who do not follow ocean safety protocol; and

 

     WHEREAS, increasing the presence of Department of Land and Natural Resources officials in Kailua Bay would help deter boaters from traveling above no wake speeds and violating other boating safety regulations, thus protecting ocean goers; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-eighth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2016, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is urged to increase active patrols of Kailua Bay, expand no wake speed zones, and enforce boating safety rules; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

DLNR; DOBAR; Kailua Bay