DLNR Cites Kailua Boater for Allegedly Operating Vessel Without Safety Course Card

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, cited a 41-year-old Kailua man for allegedly operating a vessel without proof of completion of a boater safety education course approved for Hawaiʻi.

State officials say the citation was issued to Sai Hansen “in the course of an ongoing investigation into a fatal boating accident in Kailua Bay on Jan. 9, 2016.”

Since November of 2014, all individuals who operate a motorized vessel in Hawaiʻi state waters are required to possess a certificate of completion from an approved course on the safe use and operation of a power-driven vessel.

A boater in Kona was recently cited for not having the safety course certificate when his vessel went aground on Jan. 22, 2016. Oahu DOCARE officers also issued six citations in 2015 to boat operators who did not possess the required boating safety course card.

In the past two years about 11,500 people have completed an approved boating safety course from ten different available course providers.

Violation of Hawaiʻi Administrative Rule 13-244-15.5(a) may result in a fine of up to $1,000 and/or not more than 30 days in jail. In addition to, or as a condition to the suspension of the fines and penalties, the court may deprive the offender of the privilege of operating any vessel in state waters for not more than 30 days.