I’m obviously in the minority here, but I think they all need to be limited. We visited Kauai last summer, securing shuttle passes for Haena State Park. Others went on the hike, while I stayed on the beach. I was really distressed by the constant din of helicopters flying to and from Napali. I know others love that excursion, but there seems to be no consideration for how much the noise disrupts the beauty of the island. The same concerns hold for the numbers of boats ferrying tourists. Hard decisions for sure, but something needs to be done.
Thanks for your information!
As if there weren’t enough regulations governing aviation operations. This will all end in a fantastically large lawsuit. I really feel for the small tour boat operators.
Regulations were already in place but they weren’t being enforced over the past several years. This is an attempt to get the numbers back into alignment with where they’d have been, if enforced. That means many “businesses” (and that’s what we’re talking about here) wouldn’t have been operating right now anyhow, had they been enforced. Those businesses aren’t individually held accountable for ramifications of overuse, which impacts all who enjoy the ocean and/or use the harbors, non-business and business alike. And it’s either a matter of addressing now, or dealing with it later in an entirely different way, due to damaged harbors, reefs, ocean life, etc. from overuse. People choose to live in crowded, noisy areas; not true of sealife.
Just another way to keep visitors away!! Just a way to cover up the reckless Hawaiian government by over issuing permits. Please don’t get me wrong. I understand there needs to be some regulations for boating and helicopter companies, but why make the local companies cut their schedules by 60%. I am not good at math, but reducing trips by 60% reduces sales tax by 60%.
According to the Nature Conservancy Atlas of West Maui Reefs, fish have declined by 90% and reefs by 40%. The primary causes are: overfishing, sediments, land based pollution and invasive species. Mala is actually among the healthier reefs. I have not found evidence that Scuba divers are harming the reef.
There may be legitimate reasons to curtail tour boat operators but I would think that’d negatively impact Hawaii tourism. It’s generally gotten more expensive and now it’s potentially going to be more difficult to do water based activities once there. While there is great beauty in Hawaii, the ocean is one of it’s major draws. At some point folks are going to decide there are other destinations. I’m a regular Hawaii traveler going out on snorkeling trips at least once, and often twice, during each two week trip and I would have to seriously think about returning if that opportunity were to be curtailed.
We are heading to Big Island over New Years with a driving factor being the Manta Ray snorkel. Do you think it is a better idea to book it now before this happens? Or will we risk booking with a company that may go out of business. Any recommendations based on your knowledge about which charter companies will be a safe bet?
Aloha, I work for a Big Island dive operator, but we are located 30 miles from Kona so we don’t do the Manta excursions. I wouldn’t worry too much about finding a company to go with – there’s so many and all these things take forever to happen. But – if you want a recommendation- try Aquatic Life Divers. Great eco friendly company. Nice boat. Also Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii is good, Kona Honu is good. They’ve all been in business a long time and are not likely going away.
So instead of choosing to invest in infrastructure, our state “representatives” decide instead to stick it to local small businesses (again) and run 60% of them out of business, as if they weren’t struggling enough trying to recover from the state’s over-reaching policies during Covid. These elected officials are it supportive of businesses or job employment. It’s as if they want everyone on welfare!
I appreciate the need for greater regulation, but this law creates an unlevel playing field, in effect a state government-imposed monopoly where only large legacy operators survive. This law will reduce competition and innovation, drive most smaller new operators out of business and cost many people their jobs.
So what’s your solution? If something isn’t done, the islands will be ruined, even more than they already are by the tourist who have no respect for the culture of the Hawaiians people.
I agree!!! It needs to be curtailed. This was proven during Covid when our reefs briefly came back to life. Yes it sucks for the tour companies that will be affected but it will benefit the ocean life.
Nobody had a right to go on a tour so if you can’t afford there is plenty of shore snorkeling available
We are not all like that.I know they(you, too?)hate tourists. We get that. There Are some of us that enjoy the beauty & culture of Hawaii. Do not put all tourists in one group. That is insulting.
There are alternatives to putting 60% out of business. DLNR could simply limit each permit holder to odd days or even days. That would reduce utilization by 50% and not kill dozens of businesses. There are other solutions as well. But this bill is based on seniority and was strongly supported by the OTC aka Trilogy Excursions who stand to benefit enormously by putting 60% of their competition out of business.
This comment is so unfair. I am 65 and have been going to Maui since I graduated from Highschool every year. I love the Hawaiian community,ocean and amazing sea life. I
have witnessed the absence of sea life and destruction of coral reefs due to careless visitors but not all visitors are like them. I have supported Maui and their whales for many years and it is very unfair to put the operator’s out of business. Great idea to have designated days which would also be safer for Humpbacks with less boating traffic. Please do not cry when Hawaiian tourism ceases after some of these comments.
Just because someone is Hawaiian doesn’t guarantee they are pono and malama kai. There are 3 truck tires off puu kekaa that were thrown in the ocean. That wasn’t done by tourists.
Don’t forget increase the cost to the consumer. SInce there is less competition and more demand from the remaining 40% the market will warrant an increase.
This makes me very nervous! We are coming in a few weeks for a month & have many water activities planned. Will this law go into effect anytime soon?
I’m obviously in the minority here, but I think they all need to be limited. We visited Kauai last summer, securing shuttle passes for Haena State Park. Others went on the hike, while I stayed on the beach. I was really distressed by the constant din of helicopters flying to and from Napali. I know others love that excursion, but there seems to be no consideration for how much the noise disrupts the beauty of the island. The same concerns hold for the numbers of boats ferrying tourists. Hard decisions for sure, but something needs to be done.
Thanks for your information!
Hawaii has found another way to reduce competition and drive up prices. Yay!
Fantastic you’re right less work and more money for the rich
As if there weren’t enough regulations governing aviation operations. This will all end in a fantastically large lawsuit. I really feel for the small tour boat operators.
Regulations were already in place but they weren’t being enforced over the past several years. This is an attempt to get the numbers back into alignment with where they’d have been, if enforced. That means many “businesses” (and that’s what we’re talking about here) wouldn’t have been operating right now anyhow, had they been enforced. Those businesses aren’t individually held accountable for ramifications of overuse, which impacts all who enjoy the ocean and/or use the harbors, non-business and business alike. And it’s either a matter of addressing now, or dealing with it later in an entirely different way, due to damaged harbors, reefs, ocean life, etc. from overuse. People choose to live in crowded, noisy areas; not true of sealife.
Just another way to keep visitors away!! Just a way to cover up the reckless Hawaiian government by over issuing permits. Please don’t get me wrong. I understand there needs to be some regulations for boating and helicopter companies, but why make the local companies cut their schedules by 60%. I am not good at math, but reducing trips by 60% reduces sales tax by 60%.
It’s going to be very interesting to see who the 40% are that survive – and how well connected they are.
I imagine that in Hawaii politics as in others it’s always “follow the money.”
According to the Nature Conservancy Atlas of West Maui Reefs, fish have declined by 90% and reefs by 40%. The primary causes are: overfishing, sediments, land based pollution and invasive species. Mala is actually among the healthier reefs. I have not found evidence that Scuba divers are harming the reef.
Trilogy
There may be legitimate reasons to curtail tour boat operators but I would think that’d negatively impact Hawaii tourism. It’s generally gotten more expensive and now it’s potentially going to be more difficult to do water based activities once there. While there is great beauty in Hawaii, the ocean is one of it’s major draws. At some point folks are going to decide there are other destinations. I’m a regular Hawaii traveler going out on snorkeling trips at least once, and often twice, during each two week trip and I would have to seriously think about returning if that opportunity were to be curtailed.
We are heading to Big Island over New Years with a driving factor being the Manta Ray snorkel. Do you think it is a better idea to book it now before this happens? Or will we risk booking with a company that may go out of business. Any recommendations based on your knowledge about which charter companies will be a safe bet?
Aloha, I work for a Big Island dive operator, but we are located 30 miles from Kona so we don’t do the Manta excursions. I wouldn’t worry too much about finding a company to go with – there’s so many and all these things take forever to happen. But – if you want a recommendation- try Aquatic Life Divers. Great eco friendly company. Nice boat. Also Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii is good, Kona Honu is good. They’ve all been in business a long time and are not likely going away.
So instead of choosing to invest in infrastructure, our state “representatives” decide instead to stick it to local small businesses (again) and run 60% of them out of business, as if they weren’t struggling enough trying to recover from the state’s over-reaching policies during Covid. These elected officials are it supportive of businesses or job employment. It’s as if they want everyone on welfare!
I appreciate the need for greater regulation, but this law creates an unlevel playing field, in effect a state government-imposed monopoly where only large legacy operators survive. This law will reduce competition and innovation, drive most smaller new operators out of business and cost many people their jobs.
So what’s your solution? If something isn’t done, the islands will be ruined, even more than they already are by the tourist who have no respect for the culture of the Hawaiians people.
I agree!!! It needs to be curtailed. This was proven during Covid when our reefs briefly came back to life. Yes it sucks for the tour companies that will be affected but it will benefit the ocean life.
Nobody had a right to go on a tour so if you can’t afford there is plenty of shore snorkeling available
We are not all like that.I know they(you, too?)hate tourists. We get that. There Are some of us that enjoy the beauty & culture of Hawaii. Do not put all tourists in one group. That is insulting.
There are alternatives to putting 60% out of business. DLNR could simply limit each permit holder to odd days or even days. That would reduce utilization by 50% and not kill dozens of businesses. There are other solutions as well. But this bill is based on seniority and was strongly supported by the OTC aka Trilogy Excursions who stand to benefit enormously by putting 60% of their competition out of business.
You mean residents of the U.S. State of Hawaii??
This comment is so unfair. I am 65 and have been going to Maui since I graduated from Highschool every year. I love the Hawaiian community,ocean and amazing sea life. I
have witnessed the absence of sea life and destruction of coral reefs due to careless visitors but not all visitors are like them. I have supported Maui and their whales for many years and it is very unfair to put the operator’s out of business. Great idea to have designated days which would also be safer for Humpbacks with less boating traffic. Please do not cry when Hawaiian tourism ceases after some of these comments.
Just because someone is Hawaiian doesn’t guarantee they are pono and malama kai. There are 3 truck tires off puu kekaa that were thrown in the ocean. That wasn’t done by tourists.
Don’t forget increase the cost to the consumer. SInce there is less competition and more demand from the remaining 40% the market will warrant an increase.