Salvage Firm to Remove Grounded Vessel at Kohanaiki

Hoku Kea. Photo courtesy of DOBOR.

Hoku Kea, a 39 foot Coast-Guard documented powerboat that ran aground Friday evening off Kohanaiki Beach Park in West Hawai’i, is expected to undergo salvage operations this week.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources said late afternoon that the Hoku Kea is owned by Hoku Boats LLC. The owner, who had pollution insurance, hired PENCO to remove 400 gallons of diesel, a few quarts of oil, and seven batteries on Sunday morning.

A contract has also been signed with Cates International to remove the vessel, beginning Tuesday morning.

Kohanaiki was closed by Hawai’i County pending the removal of the boat and hazmat.

Fuel and debris reportedly leaked from the boat into the immediate area of the beach.

DLNR cited the vessel owner for operating a vessel without a valid boating safety certificate, which is required by state boating rules.

Swimmers and surfers are being asked to avoid the area until a full clean-up takes place.