MAUI, Hawaii (Island News) — Nearly eight months after the Hula Girl catamaran ran aground in Honolua Bay, the state has issued its penalty.
On Friday, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Land Board voted to fine the boat’s owners just over $30,000 for damaging coral and live rock inside the Marine Life Conservation District.
- $13,400 for coral damage
- $9,120 for live rock damage
- $7,928.67 for administrative costs
The Department of Land and Natural Resources Land Board voted on Friday to fine the owners of Hula Girl just over $30,000 for damaging coral and live rock inside the Marine Life Conservation District. The 65-foot vessel broke free during a Kona storm in January and ran aground on the reef. The Division of Aquatic Resources later confirmed 36 coral colonies and 48 square meters of live rock were damaged.
The 65-foot vessel broke free during a Kona storm in January and ran aground on the reef. The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) later confirmed 36 coral colonies and 48 square meters of live rock were damaged.
“Coral, they take years to grow. So when you have coral damage, you want to make sure that something like that doesn’t happen again, but also that we can help those corals come back,” said Brian Neilson, administrator of the Division of Aquatic Resources.
The fine could have been as high as $86,000, but board members said the reduced penalty reflected the company’s quick response. Crews removed fuel and batteries early to prevent spills and worked with a helicopter crew to salvage gear from the grounded catamaran.
“He was there the morning after the incident on his own vessel, proactively removing batteries and fuel without Coast Guard assistance,” said Charlie Taylor with the Division of Aquatic Resources. “He also coordinated with Windward Aviation to start airlifting gear off the vessel via helicopter.”
Hula Girl owner Peter Wood accepted the board’s decision.
“It was unfortunate. We regret it. We do not contest the assessment,” Wood said.
Community groups said the settlement should serve as a reminder that Honolua Bay is both ecologically and culturally significant.
“These boats are allowed to come into a sacred place and really valuable resource, and their presence and their ability to be there at their whim puts the sacred resource at risk,” said John Carty with Save Honolua Bay.
The company now has 60 days to pay the fine. Officials said the grounding was caused by a combination of snapped anchor lines, engine failure and rough storm conditions.
The Hula Girl is currently on Oahu for repairs, while state crews continue monitoring Honolua Bay to track the reef’s recovery.
