HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will begin enforcing a new state boating rule over the Labor Day holiday weekend, from Sept. 1 to 3 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday), that prohibits the possession, use or consumption of alcohol; loud, abusive or disorderly conduct; and the presence of persons under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or non-prescription drugs in an area designated as the Ahu o Laka safety zone (also known as the Kane‘ohe Sandbar) in Kane‘ohe Bay.
“The state is moving forward to support public safety and respect for Ahu o Laka as a unique natural resource and cultural area,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR Chairperson. “We have listened to the concerns of families and responsible boaters in striking a balance that applies needed rules and enforcement to three summer holiday weekends, which have historically been the times when there were larger crowds, drinking and unruly behavior caused more disturbances.”
The new rule establishes a rectangular safety zone in the middle of Kane‘ohe Bay that is just over a square mile in area, comprising the majority of the sandbar and defined by six marker buoys. Provisions of the rule would serve to protect the public while visiting Ahu o Laka on three designated holiday weekends in summer — Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, including any three-day weekend associated with these holidays.
The rule has a sunset provision in three years to allow the department time to monitor and evaluate its effectiveness and need for continuance or modification at that time.
Under the new rule, Hawai‘i Administrative Rules Chapter 13-256-73.13Ahu o Laka Safety Zone, violations may be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 or less than $50 for each violation, in addition to administrative fines, fees, costs and damages. Persons cited will be processed administratively at a public meeting before the Land Board. Persons wishing to contest the infraction(s) may request a contested case hearing.
A 120-day emergency rule that was in operation during the Independence Day, Admission Day and Labor Day weekends in 2011 resulted in a calmer, family-friendly environment. During that time DLNR issued a total of eight citations for unauthorized possession of alcohol, and fines issued by the land board ranged from $50 to $400. The safety zone is identical in size and placement to the zone that was approved last year by the Land Board.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
