Posted on: Tuesday, February 8, 2005
Bill would restrict dolphin tours
By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Staff Writer
A legislative hearing yesterday on a bill to limit dolphin tour operator permits in Wai'anae sparked a discussion about contentious user conflicts on the coastline.
Advertiser library photo The issue is an example of the state's challenges in balancing tourism-related activities in Hawai'i's waters with community concerns and the protection of natural resources.
State Land and Natural Resources Department chairman Peter Young said he supported the bill's intent but said it would be pre-empted by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. He said a better way to address the issue is to administratively establish an ocean recreation management area along the Wai'anae Coast that would include rules aimed at increasing public safety and minimizing ocean use conflicts.
Greg Howeth, vice president of the Lahaina, Maui-based Ocean Tourism Coalition, said the bill would harm Hawai'i boat operators and that the coalition, made up of ocean tourism and recreation businesses, takes the lead in its own ocean preservation effort. He acknowledged there is a problem on the Wai'anae Coast, but said the bill would set a dangerous precedent and create a layer of unnecessary bureaucracy.
The Senate Business and Economic Development Committee will make a decision on the bill tomorrow.
Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 535-2470.
Commercial dolphin tours are popular on the Wai'anae Coast but have raised concerns about the safety of Hawaiian spinner dolphin populations and generated conflicts with akule fishermen in the area. Fishermen say the dolphin tours break up schools of akule and have affected their livelihoods for the past five years.
Cal Marshall, left, and brother Matthew, watch snorkelers swim toward a pod of dolphins off the Kahe Point electric generating plant. State officials are attempting to balance the interests of tourists, fishermen and the dolphins themselves by regulating dolphin tour operators.
