2017-12163: Safety Zone; Pacific Ocean, Mamala Bay, Oahu, Hawaii-Hokulea Arrival

Summary

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary 500 yard safety zone around the sailing canoe HOKULEA for her return to Oahu from a three year worldwide voyage. HOKULEA is a culturally significant double-hulled sailing canoe modeled after the vessels that brought the first Polynesians to Hawaii. Thousands of people on various types of water craft, including surfboards, canoes, sailing vessels and motor vessels as well as swimmers, have come out to greet HOKULEA when she has returned to port in the past. This safety zone is necessary to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential safety hazards associated with the anticipated large number of spectator craft expected to greet the sailing canoe HOKULEA upon her arrival. A moving 500 yard safety zone around the HOKULEA will be in place during her transit, starting when she passes abeam of Makapu'u light house and continuing through Mamala Bay to her mooring in the Ala Wai Harbor. Upon mooring, the moving safety zone will cease but a stationary 500 yard safety zone will be maintained around the HOKULEA until the conclusion of the HOKULEA arrival festivities. Entry of vessels or persons into the safety zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Honolulu or his designated representative. The Coast Guard will establish a command post at the entrance to the Ala Wai Harbor. This command post will maintain a list of all vessels with authorized moorings in the Ala Wai Harbor that will be allowed to transit the safety zone to depart from or return to these moorings. Vessels not on this list may request to transit the safety zone by contacting the COTP Honolulu or his designated representative.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 1 part of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 33 CFR 165 Regulated Navigation Areas and Limited Access Areas