HONOLULU (KHON2) -- State officials from the Department of Land and Natural Resources shared a new message with the cruise ship industry.
The notice follows an investigation into whether a cruise ship violated state rules by coming too close to Kaua‘i's Nāpali Coast.
The DLNR started the investigation after community members voiced concerns about the cruise ship traveling within 3,000 feet of the shoreline.
According to the DLNR, photographs taken by locals appear to show the ship much closer to shore.
On May 29, the DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement concluded the investigation and said there was no definitive evidence to determine if the cruise ship violated any state rules.
Officials said the incident created a tremendous amount of angst in the community because the area is highly protected.
We recognize the cruise ship industry’s contributions to the state’s economy. However, the mission of the DLNR is to ensure Hawai‘i’s precious and unique natural and cultural resources are protected now and in perpetuity. We are putting the industry on notice that the DLNR and the community will be closely monitoring activity not only along the Nāpali Coast, but throughout our state ocean waters.
Department of Land and Natural Resources in a news release
The DLNR urges the cruise ship industry to conduct its operations in compliance with the law as recreational activities are conducted in the nearshore's calm waters.