Hawaii Senate Bill SR156

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Requesting The Department Of The Attorney General To Investigate, Review, And Pursue All Applicable Civil Claims And Criminal Charges Against The Owner And Commercial Operator Of The Yacht "nakoa".

Impact

If enacted, the resolution could lead to significant legal repercussions for the yacht's owner and operator, including civil claims and criminal charges. The Attorney General's investigation aims to determine the extent of environmental harm and whether appropriate boating regulations were violated, which could potentially involve fines and reimbursement for cleanup costs that were incurred by state agencies. The response efforts to the incident highlight the serious nature of the allegations, as they involved multiple agencies and costly remediation measures.

Summary

Senate Resolution 156 (SR156) requests the Department of the Attorney General to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident involving the yacht 'Nakoa', which ran aground in Honolua Bay on February 20, 2023. The resolution outlines concerns regarding environmental damage caused by the vessel, including fuel leaks and potential violations of state laws that govern marine operations. The incident has garnered media attention and public scrutiny, raising questions about the legality of practices engaged in by the yacht's owner and operator, Jim Jones of Noelani Yacht Charters, LLC.

Contention

The resolution emphasizes the importance of enforcing state laws and regulations to protect Honolua Bay and the adjacent marine conservation area. Critics may contend that the failure to establish proper oversight and regulation in such incidents can lead to detrimental impacts on Hawaii's natural resources. Ultimately, SR156 aims to enhance accountability for potential negligence in marine operations, ensuring that similar incidents do not occur again in the future, thus preserving access to Honolua Bay for recreational use.