To increase Coast Guard presence on Hawaiʻi Island, Operation Koa Kai ran through the month of November.

Operation Koa Kai is an annual operation led by Coast Guard Sector Honolulu & Marine Safety and Security Team 91107 and ensures that recreational and commercial fleets continue to operate securely, safely, and in accordance with federal laws and regulations through patrols, training & interagency cooperation.

While patrolling the Big Island, Sector Honolulu’s MSST team worked with NOAA Law Enforcement officers to ensure the regions protected marine species, such as Hawaiʻi’s native spinner dolphin population, were provided with the necessary protection to remain healthy under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, a law prohibiting hunting, harassing, capturing, or killing a marine mammal.

Recently, local federal and state partners have reported a significant number of potential violations along with decreasing fish stocks within the sensitive reef environments surrounding the Big Island.  Such activity is not only in violation of several laws and regulations, but also exposes unsuspecting members of the public to danger by means of inexperienced recreational charter operators, insufficient safety equipment, and unsatisfactory vessel material conditions. Owners and operators of illegal charter boats can face up to $27,500 in fines for operations.

To report an alleged illegal charter operation, contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu  Command Center at (808) 842-2603 or scchonolulu@uscg.mil.

For potential violation to the Marine Mammal Protection Act or marine wildlife emergencies, contact the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline (888) 256-9840 or email video and photo evidence to respectwildlife@noaa.gov.