Maui County has no tours available for visitors to plunge into the ocean and watch sharks cruise by from the safety of submerged cages.

And County Councilman Wayne Nishiki wants to make sure such an activity doesn't come to the Valley Island.

"I think we need to take precautions," he said, adding that he's concerned that if shark tours become established in Maui waters, then surfers, swimmers and others who enjoy the ocean could be endangered.

Nishiki said he particularly objects to outsiders coming to Maui to exploit a business opportunity without regard for the lifestyle or safety of residents.

"All they're interested in is the big buck, and that's it," he said Tuesday.

Nishiki has introduced a bill that would ban shark tours in Maui County. He said the county has the power to do that by blocking business licenses for the activity.