Two New DOCARE Patrol Vessels Deployed

The Malama Kai II was blessed during a ceremony at the Ke‘ehi Small Boat Harbor on Nov. 3. Image courtesy: Hawai‘i DLNR

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has added two new vessels to its fleet of law enforcement vessels.

They’re fast and stable; and given Hawai‘i’s frequently rough waters, the two new Sea Blade 23 vessels fit the bill.

One of the DLNR Police boats has been in service off Kona’s shores for several months. DOCARE officers are using it there to enforce rules associated with swimming with dolphins and other marine animals, as well as for general law enforcement purposes.

The 23-foot Malama Kai II will be based on O‘ahu and used by DOCARE’s Marine Enforcement Unit.

Jason Redulla, DOCARE acting enforcement chief, said, “The Sea Blade 23’s performance attributes and design make it an ideal tool for our specific missions. Navatek Boat Builders based here in Hawai‘i worked collaboratively with us to provide superior vessels that provide excellent performance in our challenging ocean conditions. Working with a local company gave us a personal connection and input on this project and eliminated the risks associated with buying boats overseas.”

The Sea Blade 23 incorporates a large T-top for sun protection, a 100-gallon fuel capacity and twin 150 horsepower engines.

NBB President Gary Johnson explained, “The Sea Blade 23 uses our patented hull design, which was specifically designed to operate safely and comfortably in Hawaii’s rough and unforgiving sea conditions. We feel it’s important for us to provide products built with local knowledge and appreciation of Hawaii’s rough waters which helps eliminate the risk of getting an incompatible boat from venders unfamiliar with our local conditions.”

NBB is now working on a 30-foot law enforcement version of the Sea Blade.

“These vessels will greatly enhance the capacity of the work performed by our DOCARE officers, that’s necessary to protect and monitor Hawai‘i’s natural resources,” said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case. “We’re pleased that Navatek has such great knowledge and appreciation for our unique ocean conditions and marine environment and can translate that into building vessels that will help serve the people of Hawai‘i.”

The O‘ahu-based vessel, Malama Kai II, was named after the first ocean-going law enforcement vessel state fish and game wardens began using in 1960, in response to the need for officers to be able to patrol ocean waters as well as the land.