Posted on: Monday, February 4, 2002

Dolphins topic of Kona meeting

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

KEALAKEKUA, Hawai'i — Just how close visitors should be allowed to come to spinner dolphins in West Hawai'i is the focus of a meeting to be held by federal officials this week in Kona.

The native Hawaiian dolphin is smaller than other types and has a longer snout, or rostrum. The spinner is not an endangered species, but it is under federal protection.

"The federal marine mammal viewing guidelines developed by (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Fisheries recommend observing wild dolphins from a safe distance of at least 50 yards and using binoculars," said spokeswoman Delores Clark.

Concerns over the dolphins come as the eco-tourism industry is expanding. The topic will be discussed from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Konawaena Elementary School in Kealakekua.

Several enforcers, including John Reghi of the federal Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement, are scheduled to attend in what is being characterized by some in Kona as a crackdown.

Dolphin Discoveries founder Kevin Merrill said he thinks some middle ground needs to be found. Merrill and his wife launched their eco-tourism venture more than four years ago. They take 10 to 12 customers by boat each day into Kealakekua Bay to see the dolphins.

Merrill said there may be other commercial enterprises that threaten the spinners by trying to view them at unsafe distances, but his operation, out of Keauhou Bay south of Kailua, does not.

Reghi said this week's meeting is aimed at public education, but he warned that offenders face stiff civilian fines and possible criminal penalties, including jail time.

Some tour groups advertise swimming with the dolphins in their materials.