HONOLULU — A Maui tour boat operator has agreed to pay the state $130,000 to settle a claim it destroyed hundreds of coral colonies two years ago.

The state alleges Makena Boat Partners killed, damaged or dislodged 538 individual coral colonies when its Kai Kanani catamaran dropped anchor near the Maui Prince Hotel.
Makena Boat Partners is not admitting guilt, but is agreeing to pay the state to settle the case.
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources on Wednesday is expected to consider whether to approve the settlement.
Makena Boat Partners would pay more than $127,000 to the state’s Commercial Fisheries Special Fund, which supports resource conservation and management.
The company would pay the state more than $2,300 to cover administrative costs.