MEDIA RELEASE

Salvage operations are expected to begin this week to remove a 39’ Coast-Guard documented powerboat “Hoku Kea,” which ran aground Friday evening off Kohanaiki beach, west Hawaii.

Hawaii County closed Kohanaiki Beach Park pending removal of the boat and hazmat. Fuel leaked from the boat onto the immediate area of the beach, and debris from the boat was also found in the area.

The “Hoku Kea” is owned by Hoku Boats LLC. The owner had pollution insurance which hired PENCO to remove 400 gallons of diesel, a few quarts of oil and seven batteries on Sunday morning. They have also signed a contract with Cates International which will be on site tomorrow morning to begin the salvage removal process.

The vessel owner was cited by DLNR for operating a vessel without a valid boating safety certificate required by state boating rules.

Swimmers and surfers are being asked to stay out of the water until authorities can clean up the fuel spill and remove the boat and debris from the area.