Public Meetings Aimed at Commercial Boating Rules

Public meetings on proposed changes to rules pertaining to commercial activity at small boat harbors and in near-shore waters will be held tonight in Hilo and Thursday in Kona.

The proposed changes include the placing of limits on the number of commercial use permits that may be issued for harbors and launches, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a press release issued this afternoon.

The proposals also include a requirement that all commercial activities in state waters obtain a commercial use permit, as well as establishment of use and registration fees for commercial catamaran operations and water sports equipment.

The Hilo meeting will be held tonight at the State Office Building on Aupuni Street, and the Kona meeting at the Kealakehe High School cafeteria. Both are scheduled from 6-8 p.m.