Japan Tsunami Debris Travels to Hawai’i

More suspected Japan tsunami marine debris has washed onto and near Hawai’i shores.

According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, two large plastic bins were reported this week. One of the bins was located at Kamilo Beach in Ka’u. Volunteers of the Hawai’i Wildlife Fund removed the bin. Another bin was found on Larsen’s Beach on Kauai.

On Thursday, DLNR crews retrieved a 20’ skiff in the Sandy Beach area of Oahu. The boat had Japanese characters and vessel registration numbers. This was the seventh boat since February to approach Hawai’i that is suspected to be from Japan. Three of the previous six were on the Big Island, retrieved from the areas near Kohanaiki, Kawaihae, and Kawa Bay. Another one of the boats was located in Maui near the Aston Mahana, and two were reportedly on Oahu, at Kahuku and Punaluu.

DLNR says any items retrieved that have identification numbers or Japanese characters are reported to the National Ocean Atmospheric Administration, who then works with the Japan Consulate in Hawai’i to confirm the debris’ origins. Any items that are not claimed by the original owner are disposed of.

Anyone who comes across large or unusual marine debris, especially those that marine organisms have attached to, should e-mail dlnr.marine.debris@hawaii.gov and DisasterDebris@noaa.gov. Individuals who prefer to call can contact the DLNR at 587-0400.

This blue bin was located at Larsen’s Beach on Kauai. DLNR courtesy photo.

Overturned 20′ skiff at Alan Davis shore, Oahu, reported April 22. Photo courtesy Nicole Woolsey and Ryan Tani.

20′ fishing boat reported February 14 at Kohanaiki. Photo by DLNR.

DLNR Land maintenance crew hauls the skiff from Alan Davis beach onto a trailer on April 24. Photo by DLNR.

Vessel found February 27 at Kawa Bay. Photo courtesy Nikolai Maximenko.

Boat retrieved from shoreline fronting the Aston Mahana Resort. Photo courtesy Kaanapali Beach Club.

Overturned skiff reported Feb. 22 at a beach near Kahuku Golf Course. Photo courtesy Lance Redding.

Skiff reported at Punaluu, Oahu, on March 9. Photo by DLNR.