State Working to Remove Grounded Sailboat in Launiupoko, Maui

State crews are working to remove a grounded sailboat that was observed this morning in an area south of Launiupoko Beach Park in West Maui.

A spokesperson with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said crews with the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation will be stepping in to remove the vessel “as the surf will increase on that side very shortly.”

“We want to ensure that the vessel does not break up and damage the natural resource or become a navigational hazard,” said a DLNR spokesperson.

According to state officials, the last known registered owner is no longer in the picture and there is a “bill of sale” to the new owner, who was also the operator of the vessel when it went aground.

DOBOR staff made attempts to reach the operator but have been unsuccessful.

The vendor/contractor is D & D Towing, Inc., and meets the requirements of the Hawaiʻi Compliance Express.

Sailboat grounded at Launiupoko, Maui. PC: 10.25.19 by Kevin J Olson.