October - November 2000

MacDonald leaves DBEDT for East Coast

Fishing for ocean pollutants

Farming Hawaii’s waters

1st Annual Honolulu Harbor Festival

Harbor Festival Program

Pacific nations adopt tuna treaty

Is Hawaii Ready for the New Fisheries Commission?

Cleaning up the coastline

Regulatory News

Departments

Salutes

News Briefs, News from Matson/CSX and Maui

Calendar

Soundings, Trashing the garbage logs by Capt. Parnell Walsh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MacDonald leaves DBEDT for East Coast

Hawaii’s ocean industry lost one of its foremost proponents with the September 18 departure of Dr. Craig MacDonald, chief of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Ocean Resources Branch since 1985. MacDonald accepted the position of superintendent of the 842-square-mile Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, located 25 miles east of Boston, Mass.

He joined the department as a marine programs specialist in 1982 when it was known as the Department of Planning and Economic Development. During the past 18 years, he’s been through 2 departmental name changes, 7 directors, 3 reorganizations (counting one still pending) and 5 office moves.

More significantly, however, MacDonald has guided the branch through its transition from a funding agency for resource assessment, development of new marine technology and educational programs to an agency that has created award-winning marketing programs for Hawaii seafood, ocean research and development and ocean recreation. He led the effort to characterize ocean industries for the first time in order to provide a sense of the size and importance of those industries that rely on the state’s ocean resources.

MacDonald also contributed greatly to the formation of ocean policy, particularly through his role as project manager for the Hawaii Ocean and Marine Resources Council, which produced the nation’s first integrated ocean resources management plan. He has served on numerous state and national ocean-related advisory bodies including a committee of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary advisory committee.

A graduate of the University of Maine with a bachelor’s degree in zoology, MacDonald served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Palau, Western Caroline Islands (Micronesia), where he worked in fisheries management and development. He later earned a master’s degree in marine sciences from the University of Puerto Rico and a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Hawaii.  He conducted Sea Grant postdoctoral research in fishery science at the University of Hawaii, where he also received a Certificate in Public Administration.

Throughout his career in Hawaii, one of MacDonald’s guiding principles in promoting Hawaii’s ocean industries has been the wise use of resources held in public trust, according to DBEDT colleague Elizabeth Corbin. She notes, “Craig practiced sustainable development before it became a popular buzz word.”

Corbin, who also joined the Ocean Resources Branch in 1982, was named acting ocean resources development manager. She previously held the title of marine programs specialist.

Editor’s note: Craig was a contributing writer for the inaugural issue of Hawaii Ocean Industry and Shipping News in 1996 – and several issues since. We wish him continued success with his new responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fishing for ocean pollutants

by Mele Pochereva

Like canaries in coal mines, moi, or Pacific threadfin, could become indicators of environmental pollution in coastal waters.

Under a contract awarded by the National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences (CEROS), the Oceanic Institute is studying the feasibility of using hatchery-raised fish as biological indicators of aquatic pollution at current and former defense sites. The “laboratory” is Pearl Harbor, a Superfund clean-up site, where 15,000 moi and 15,000 mullet fingerlings, tagged with coded information, have been released by the institute since last November.

When recaptured every few months, the fish will be tested for such pollutants as polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCPs), the herbicide mecoprop (PCPP), heptachlor epoxide and other toxins. Growth rates for the recaptured fish will be compared with historical growth rates for cultured fish released in Kaneohe Bay as well as with samples from the wild mullet population in Pearl Harbor. Researchers also will try to determine how long it takes for pollutants to be detected in the fish.

Dr. David Ziemann, lead researcher for the OI project, says that simply studying the harbor sediment does not tell the total effect of pollutants on the food chain. Studying wild fish populations also is not an accurate assessment since the geographic origin of the wild fish cannot be determined. Releasing “clean,” pollution-free fish into Pearl Harbor could provide an important status report on pollution in the harbor for evaluation of current and future remediation efforts.

While mullet are found naturally in Pearl Harbor, they are omnivores and lower on the food chain than moi, which are carnivores and potentially could carry higher concentrations of pollutants, said Ziemann.

A question still to be answered by the researchers is whether the released fish will stay in Pearl Harbor so they can be recaptured and tested.

The study is the first of its kind in the country, and if successful, could provide a model for assessing pollution at other defense sites and the effect of pollutants on animal health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farming Hawaii's Waters

Open-ocean cage technology could boost seafood industry

by Mele Pochereva

Two miles off the Leeward Coast of Oahu, a population of some 140,000 Pacific threadfin, or moi, thrive in a giant sea cage 50 to 100 feet below the ocean surface. They are part of a demonstration aquaculture project to test the commercial, biological and environmental viability of open-ocean farming in Hawaii.

While other countries such as Greece, Taiwan and the Philippines are now testing open-ocean farming, Hawaii’s is the first year-round, open-ocean cage experiment in the world.

With funding from the National Sea Grant Program and NOAA, the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program launched the cage project in the spring of 1999, using state-of-the-art finfish aquaculture technologies. Among the collaborators are the Oceanic Institute, which provides the moi fingerlings to stock the cage, and Safety Boats Hawaii, which is contracted to handle day-to-day operations, including feeding, monitoring and harvesting the fish.

Once the food of Hawaiian royalty, the indigenous moi is making a culinary comeback in upscale restaurants around the state – and around the world. Land-based aquaculture farmers, mostly on the Big Island and Oahu, have been raising moi commercially since the mid-1990s.

In 1998, 41,500 pounds of moi valued at $214,000 were harvested. That figure is expected to double for 1999, according to the state’s Aquaculture Development Program.

Offshore cage farming could further expand the state’s aquaculture industry at a time when seafood consumption is rising worldwide and some wild fisheries are reaching their maximum sustainable yields. In Hawaii, where annual seafood consumption averages 45 pounds per person – three times the U.S. mainland rate  — 75% of the fish must be imported to meet demand.

“The potential of aquaculture in open-ocean environments has attracted considerable interest throughout the world and raises the intriguing possibility of fully utilizing the ocean’s resources,” said Dr. Charles Helsley, recently retired director of Hawaii’s Sea Grant program.

Helsley is largely responsible for securing the funding and as well as state and federal permits for the cage research, a process that included consent from the State Land Board, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation and Division of Aquatics, and the state Department of Health.

Hawaii’s Aquaculture Development Program and Department of Land & Natural Resources helped craft legislation passed in 1999 to amend the state regulations on ocean leasing.The legislation allows the state to issue five-year commercial leases for Hawaii waters and submerged lands, according to ADP Manager John Corbin. It also removed the size limit for open-ocean commercial projects, allowing ecological and economic factors to determine the “farm” size. Corbin said this gives commercial ventures a five-year window of opportunity to test the waters and evaluate the environmental impact, after which time the state can choose to extend the leases.

If the results of the experiment off the Leeward coast are any indication, the future of cage farming in Hawaii is promising:  More than 50,000 market-size moi were produced in six months during the first phase of the project.

The open-ocean advantage

Cage technology is already in use commercially in other parts of the world, including the Pacific Northwest and Norway where salmon cultures are established, and in Australia where a successful tuna cage culture has been developed. But these cage systems are designed for protected, near-shore waters. The off-shore cage technology being tested in Hawaii offers a number of biological and environmental advantages over near-shore farms, according to Dr. Anthony Ostrowski, head of Oceanic Institute’s finfish program.

By submerging the cage 40 feet or more below the surface, recreational boaters are not impacted, poaching is less likely, and the cage and fish are protected from rough surface conditions. Strong ocean currents diffuse effluent from the cage, and Ostrowski says environmental monitoring has shown no adverse impact on either the surrounding water or the ocean floor.

Moi was chosen as the test fish because it could produce enough fry to sustain the research, but other indigenous Hawaiian fish such as kahala (greater amberjack), gray snapper and blue fin trevally are also good candidates for cage culture, according to Ostrowski.

Whether or not open-ocean cage farming is economically viable is yet to be proven. Hawaii entrepreneur Randy Cates is ready to prove that it is.

Going commercial

Cates, president of Safety Boats Hawaii, has been involved with the Sea Grant mariculture project from the day he helped deploy the cage off the Leeward coast last year. Since then, his company has provided daily on-the-water support for the project, from feeding and harvesting the fish to cleaning their cage.

Open-ocean farming has “huge potential for Hawaii,” Cates says. And he plans to tap into that potential. Last year he formed a new commercial venture, Cates International, with partner Ginny Enos, and became the first person in the country to apply for a commercial open-ocean farm permit.

There are actually more than a dozen federal and state permits Cates needs, and as soon as he has them all, he’ll be ready for business. He has two cages like the one being tested, ready to deploy; a new support boat; personnel lined up; and the technical know-how to operate the farm. The minimum start-up cost for an economically viable operation is about $1 million, Cates says, and he’s got most of that capital, too. Getting moi fingerlings to stock the cages will be one of his biggest challenges.

Each of the cages has a 150,000 fish capacity but Cates says he plans to start off with a smaller number of fish then gather environmental and other data before gearing up to capacity. He also wants to demonstrate to the community and the state that open-ocean farming and ocean recreation can co-exist. Since the test cage was deployed 18 months ago, there hasn’t been one conflict with community interests, Cates points out.

“Randy is a classic entrepreneur, and he has the skills and experience to pull it off,” says ADR’s Corbin, who believes open-ocean farming could open new export opportunities for Hawaii seafood.

Cage Facts

The SeaStation 3000, submerged in waters off Ewa Beach, Oahu, is a 50-by-80 foot bi-conical sea cage developed by Ocean Spar Technologies of Bainbridge Island, Wash. The cage, which costs about $90,000, has a steel center spar filled with air, allowing the cage to be raised and lowered as needed.

A steel frame supports a rigid mesh netting made of Spectra, a plastic and metal polymer material developed by NASA.  Spectra is light enough to float, but has the strength of steel. Its rigid quality makes it difficult for sharks and other predators to penetrate the cage.

The fish are fed commercial pellets, which are piped into the cage daily from a support vessel on the surface. The cage also can be stocked and harvested without being raised to the surface.

By submersing the cage in 40 to 50 feet of water, out of the high-energy zone, the cage and the fish are less susceptible to damage from large swells and surface waves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific Nations Adopt Tuna Treaty

by Sylvia Spalding

Fishing nations from throughout the Pacific adopted an agreement on Sept. 4 to establish an international fishery commission to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of tuna and other highly migratory fish stocks in the central and western Pacific.

“The adoption of the convention was a culmination of five years of long negotiations on some very difficult issues,” said Ambassador Satya Nandan of Fiji, chairman of the Multilateral High-Level Conference (MHLC) on Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific. “It reflects a fair balance of interests, in particular between developing Pacific countries, in whose national areas large stocks of tuna fish are found, and distant-water fishing states, which fish in the Central and Western Pacific.”

The two-thirds vote required for adoption of the convention was met with 19 nations voting in favor; Japan and Korea opposing; and China, France and Tonga abstaining. The 24 nations, as well as other Pacific territories and fishing entities, had been meeting at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu since August 30 for the seventh and final session of MHLC.

In their closing statements, the Japanese and Korean delegations listed several reasons for their opposition to the convention. On the top of both lists was the decision-making procedure. 

According to the convention, decisions of the fishery commission will be made by consensus as a general rule. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions by voting on questions of procedure will be taken by a majority of those present and voting. Decisions on questions of substance will be taken by a three-fourths majority of the members of the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) present and voting and a three-fourths majority of non-members of the FFA present and voting. The treaty also provides that in no circumstances will a proposal be defeated by two or fewer votes in either chamber.

The FFA is comprised of 16 Pacific nations: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Western Samoa. In general, they are small developing Pacific island states whose exclusive economic zones are harvested by distant-water fishing nations for a fee.

Concerns voiced

“The decision-making process should enable the commission to take into account views of the minority, such as Asian fishing nations and fishing entities in the Forum,” noted Masayaki Komatsu, counselor for Fisheries Agency, Government of Japan. However, the objection clause recommended by Japan, which would have allowed a single nation to decide to opt out of certain measures adopted by the majority, was disfavored by most other nations.

Tonga also found the decision-making process outlined in the convention unacceptable, but for the opposite reason. Head delegate Akauola noted that a body of three from the non-FFA member chamber could veto the majority consensus of the FFA chamber.

Compliance and enforcement provisions in the convention also concerned Japan and Korea. “The boarding and inspection scheme, the observer program on the high seas and provisions relating to VMS [vessel monitoring system] should be based on the flag-state principle and should be practicable and preclude excessive burdens on the part of the fishermen,” Komatsu stated.

Both Japan and Korea were also concerned about references and direct quotations of the United Nations Implementing Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. The agreement, which has not been adopted by Japan and some other MHLC members, provides guidance on the concept of “precautionary approach” to conservation and management of fisheries resources; defines how coastal states and distant-water fishing nations are to cooperate in the conservation and management of tuna and other fish stocks; and requires regional fisheries entities to develop management strategies along with enforcement and monitoring, control and surveillance systems to ensure compliance with fisheries regulations for highly migratory species.

Convention boundaries

Japan was also concerned about the northern boundary. According to the convention, both the northern and western boundaries of the convention area are not fixed but will encompass the range of the stocks within the Pacific Ocean. However, the convention is not intended to include waters in Southeast Asia that are not part of the Pacific Ocean, nor is it intended to include the waters of the South China Sea.

Japan suggested that the northern boundary be fixed at 20°N. It also said the convention should be limited to conservation and management of tropical tunas and not include the northern albacore tuna and other cold water species.

The United States opposed Japan’s suggestion. A 20°N boundary would cut right through the middle of Hawaii, noted U.S. head delegate Tucker Scully, director of the Office of Ocean Affairs, U.S. Department of State. The southern and eastern boundaries of the convention area are fixed. They span from the south coast of Australia due south along the 141° meridian of east longitude to 55°S latitude; thence due east to 150°E longitude; thence due south to 60°S latitude; thence due east to 130°W longitude; thence due north to 4°S latitude; thence due west to 150°W longitude; thence due north.

Participation by territories

Another key issue resolved during the seventh MHLC session related to participation in the fisheries commission by territories and fishing entities.

According to the final draft of the convention, fishing entities such as Taiwan, whose vessels fish for highly migratory fish stocks in the convention area may, by written instrument, agree to be bound by the regime established by the convention. Any such fishing entity shall participate in the work of the commission, including decision-making on matters stated in the convention. China, which abstained in its vote on the convention, had argued against membership status by fishing entities.

As for territories within the Pacific, the convention notes that American Samoa, French Polynesia, Guam, New Caledonia, Northern Mariana Islands, Tokelau and Wallis and Futuna are entitled to be present and to speak at the meetings of the commission and its subsidiary bodies. Separate rules of procedure will be developed by the contracting parties on the extent and nature of participation by these territories.

France, which abstained from voting, had argued for full participation by French Polynesia and New Caledonia. However, the United States and other countries found the status of these territories to be problematic within the context of the convention. Although certain fisheries management function have been devolved to the local legislatures, France retains sovereignty over the territories and would ultimately be legally responsible for implementing obligations under the agreement.

At the conclusion of the conference, 11 nations signed the convention. The convention is now deposited in New Zealand where it will remain open for signature for a year. It will enter into force 30 days after the deposit of instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession by three States north of 20°N latitude (i.e., the distant-water fishing nations) and seven States situated south of the 20°N latitude (i.e., the Pacific island nations in whose waters the fishing predominantly occurs). In the meantime, the convention participants will meet in New Zealand the first half of 2001 to prepare for the commission so that it can begin functioning immediately upon the convention’s entry into force.

While adoption of the convention was a landmark occasion, some say its success was marred by an “us against them” attitude between fishing nations and developing states and a focus on politics instead fish stocks. More optimistic participants say the outstanding issues can be worked out within the bounds the convention.

Sylvia Spalding is a media and education specialist with the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Hawaii Ready for the New Fisheries Commission?

Tuna stocks in the western and central Pacific are considered healthy, but quotas may be on the way when the new international fisheries commission for the western and central Pacific begins functioning.

According to the treaty adopted by 19 of 24 Pacific nations in September, the new international fisheries commission will be empowered to do the following for highly migratory fish stocks in the convention area, which spans from Hawaii to New Zealand and from Japan to French Polynesia:

• Determine the total allowable catch, total level of fishing effort and other necessary conservation and management measures (e.g., limiting fishing vessel numbers, types and sizes; areas and periods in which fishing may occur; size of fish that may be taken; fishing gear and technology that may be used, etc.).

• Develop criteria for the allocation of the total allowable catch or the total level of fishing effort, taking into account the status of the stocks and the existing level of fishing effort in the fishery; the respective interests, past and present fishing patterns and fishing practices of participants in the fishery and the extent of the catch being utilized for domestic consumption; the historic catch in an area; the needs of small island developing states, territories and possessions, etc.

• Promote cooperation and coordination between members of the commission to ensure that conservation and management measures in areas under national jurisdiction and measures for the same stocks on the high seas are compatible.

• Adopt conservation and management measures and recommendations for non-target species and species dependent on or associated with the target stocks.

• Adopt standards for collection, verification and the timely exchange and reporting of fisheries data.

• Compile and disseminate accurate and complete statistical data.

• Obtain and evaluate scientific advice, review the status of stocks, promote the conduct of relevant scientific research and disseminate the results.

• Adopt international minimum standards for the responsible conduct of fishing operations.

• Establish monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement, including a vessel monitoring system.

• Obtain and evaluate economic and other fisheries-related data and information.

• Promote the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The fishery commission will not become effective until some time after the approved number of countries ratify or formally adhere to the convention. Furthermore, even after the convention goes into effect, it will not have an impact on U.S. fishermen until the United States has an implementing statute and probably some implementing regulations as well.

To ensure Hawaii fishermen get their fair share when the commission is operating and allocations are determined, members of the Recreational Fisheries Data Task Force of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council are working to determine the annual catch by Hawaii’s recreational fisheries. As neither the federal government nor the State of Hawaii require reporting of recreational catches, the task is daunting.

Fishery managers at the Council are also concerned that the U.S. federal court injunction against the Hawaii longline fishery, if prolonged, could severely affect Hawaii’s historic catch record. Area closures have been in place since December 1999.

In August, U.S. District Court Judge David Ezra further restricted the fishery with seasonal closures, targeting restrictions, effort limitations, fish sale restrictions and 20 to 100 percent observer cover requirements depending on area. These restrictions will remain in place until the National Marine Fisheries Service completes a comprehensive environmental impact statement for the fishery by April 1, 2001.

— Sylvia Spalding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleaning up the Coastline

On September 16, almost 5,000 volunteers cleaned up Hawaii’s coastlines, streams and waterways throughout the islands during the annual Get the Drift & Bag It campaign. UH Sea Grant partners with the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program to coordinate this annual cleanup effort, a contribution by Hawaii volunteers to the International Coastal Cleanup sponsored by the Center for Marine Conservation. Exact counts are not in yet but the usual “Dirty Dozen” of marine debris include cigarette butts, bits of plastic, glass, paper, styrofoam, plastic bags, metal bottle caps, glass bottles, plastic bottles, plastic caps and lids and soda cans. Sea Grant experts say that 80 percent of all marine debris comes from land sources. But lost and discarded fishing gear also washes up on Hawaii beaches, swept through the islands by ocean currents and wind. In its wake are left abraded coral and damaged wildlife habitats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory News

Medical privacy, medical marijuana laws won’t affect federal regulations

Passage of two new laws by the State of Hawaii – the medical privacy law and legalized medical marijuana use – is causing confusion regarding the implications for federal regulatory requirements. The bottom line is: Federal drug and alcohol testing regulations will not be affected.

Hawaii’s medical privacy law does not change the requirements established in federal regulations. Mariners are still subject to drug and alcohol testing and marine employers must continue to report the test results to the Coast Guard. Violation of these regulations may subject individuals and companies to civil penalties.

Federal law requires certain maritime employees to be tested for drugs and alcohol as a means to minimize the use of intoxicants and to promote a drug free and safe work environment (Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 16). Testing is required for employment, obtaining merchant mariner credentials, randomly and following marine accidents. The regulations specify that marine employers must report the test results to the Coast Guard.

On the issue of legalized medical marijuana use, the President’s Office of National Drug Policy clearly stated federal policy in response to similar propositions passed in California, Arizona and Oregon (Policy letters dated December 12, 1996 and August 15, 1997). Marijuana does not have a legitimate medical use in the United States and its use is not a legitimate medical explanation for a positive drug test.  If you test positive and state that a physician recommended or prescribed the use of marijuana for you, your test will be verified as positive. You will have to stop performing your safety-sensitive transportation duties. The same policy applies to hemp food products such as hemp oil and seeds (Policy letter dated July 29, 1997).

The integrity of the national transportation system is critical to the continued prosperity of the United States. The welfare and confidence of the American public using our transportation system depend on transportation workers’ unwavering commitment to safety. The use of marijuana and other illicit drugs is incompatible with transportation safety and will not be tolerated.

If you have questions, please call LTJG Bill DeLuca, Coast Guard Drug and Alcohol Program Inspector, at 522-8264, ext. 294.

Contributed by USCG MSO-Honolulu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HONOLULU HARBOR FESTIVAL PROGRAM

November 11, 2000 ~ Saturday

9:30 a.m. 
WATER TOURS SIGN-UP
Lighthouse

Tours from 10:20 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Pier 10
Boat Tours:  Mana'o, Liberty Launch
Sea Ride: Wiki Wiki Ferry

10:00 a.m. 
OPENING CEREMONY
Pier 9,  Bow Stage

- U.S. Navy Color Guards
- National Anthem Sung by Ms. Cathy Foy  
- Special Recognitions:
  Veterans' Day
  Navy League Outstanding Sea Service Nominees
  Student Constitutional Essay Contest Winners
- Captain Krauss' Address
  Presentation by Senator Rod Tam
- Maties' Swearing In Ceremony

10:30 a.m. 
*TUGBOAT HULA COMPETITION 
Pier 9, Waterside

BOSTON TEA PARTY
Pier 7, Falls of Clyde
By Family of Free Masonry

11:00 A.M. 
ALL AREAS OPEN 

- Children Activities   

Hw. Martime Center (HMC)   Pier 7
Aloha Tower Marketplace (ATM)  Promenade
Treasure Chest Game    Aloha Tower
Coastie - USCG Electronic Safety Boat  Aloha Tower

- Lectures (continue until 4:00 p.m.), HMC, Pacific Room

- Ships' Open Houses

Baywatch, Atlantis Submarine, Pier 7
Longliner, USCG Kitty Wake, Pier 9
Tugboat, Mokuahi (Fireboat) , Pier 9

- Exhibits, Pier 9 - 10

- Food Booths, ATM Promenade

- Snack Booths, HMC

12:00 Noon 
U.S.S. HOPPER - NAVY SHIP
Pier 10

- Aloha Boat Days Greeting & Open House

1:00 p.m.
MUSIC BY CAPTAIN & CREW
Pier 7, Falls of Clyde

Family Prize Drawing
Lighthouse
Winners announced

2:00 p.m.
*MARINE DEMONSTRATION
Pier 9, Waterside

U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue

PLAY BY LISA MATSUMOTO
ATM Atrium
"Beneath the Ocean"

3:00 p.m.
*SYNCHRONIZED SAILING
Pier 9, Waterside

4:00 p.m.
MUSIC BY TSUNAMI
ATM Atrium

5:00 p.m.
ALOHA & SHIPS AHOY! 

 

*Subject to change due to operational availability.  Please listen for announcements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Annual Honolulu Harbor Festival
plans to make big splash

Hawaii’s maritime community plans to make a big splash with the inaugural Honolulu Harbor Festival on November 11.

Rigged for fun with free activities for the whole family, the festival will take place on the waterfront from the Hawaii Maritime Center to Aloha Tower Marketplace – and in Honolulu Harbor itself. Organizers anticipate it will be one of the biggest events at the harbor since King Kalakaua’s Regatta Days. The opening ceremony takes place at Pier 9 at 10 a.m.

The cost of the event is underwritten by a number of maritime businesses and individual donors who contributed more than $13,000 in cash as well as generous in-kind support, and an $8,000 grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Event planners hope to build upon the event in coming years and already have leadership commitments for the next three years: Brian Taylor (CSX Lines) will head the event in 2001 with Glenn Hong (HT&B/Young Brothers) and Randy Grune (Hawaii Stevedores) taking the helm in 2002 and 2003, respectively.

“This festival is a fun way for the people of Hawaii – especially our young people – to learn about the critical role the maritime industry plays in our everyday lives, and to see the diverse job opportunities available to them,” explains Tim Guard of McCabe, Hamilton & Renny Co., and president of this year’s event. “State government and private industry have worked hard together over the past months to present what promises to be a great day on the Honolulu waterfront.”

Festival Executive Committee

• President: Tim Guard, McCabe, Hamilton & Renny Co.

• 1st VP: Brian Taylor, CSX Lines

• 2nd VP: Glenn Hong, HT&B/Young Bros.

• 3rd VP: Randy Grune, Hawaii Stevedores

• Chair: Bob Krauss, The Honolulu Advertiser

Subcommittee Chairs

• Exhibit Booths: Clint Taylor, CSX Lines

• Water Activities, Dave Lyman, Hawaii Pilots Assn.

• Entertainment: Scott Creel, Aloha Tower Marketplace

• Food Booths, Ronni Kirihara, Aloha Tower Marketplace

• Set-up: George Atta, Group 70 International

• Tour Boats: Terry O’Halloran, Atlantis Submarines and Barry Kim, DOT-Harbors

• Program: Diane Fujio, DOT-Harbors

• Finance: Bob Moore, Hawaii Maritime Center

• Fundraising: Bob Krauss, The Honolulu Advertiser

• Lecture Series: Bob Krauss/Jim Cook, Pacific Ocean Producers

• Public Relations: Anne Smoke, Sheila Donnelly & Associates

Festival sponsors

Headline sponsors:

• Aloha Tower Marketplace

• Department of Transportation-Harbors Division

• Hawaii Maritime Center

• Hawaii Tourism Authority

• The Honolulu Advertiser

Gold sponsors:

• American Hawaii Cruises

• Kenneth Brown

• CSX Lines

• Bob Krauss

• McCabe, Hamilton & Renny Co.

• Marisco

• Maritime License Center

• Matson Navigation Co.

• P&R Water Taxi

• Pacific Marine

• Pacific Ocean Producers

• Sause Brothers

• Smith Maritime

• Young Brothers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salutes

American Classic Voyages Co. announced three management appointments for its Hawaii product group, which includes American Hawaii Cruises and United States Lines: Gordon D Shenk was named vice president of hotel operations for both the SS Independence and the ms Patriot. Most recently he was with Royal Caribbean Cruises Intl. Previously he was hotel director for American Hawaii Cruises from 1984-1995. Servet Cankaya was named director of hotel operations, overseeing both Hawaii vessels. He worked for Royal Caribbean Intl. for the past 28 years, most recently as manager, fleet dining services.

Also joining the company as vice president of marketing is Maria Isabel Molina. She will be responsible for all marketing programs, including pricing and revenue management for the two Hawaii cruise ships and the company’s two newbuilds. Previously she was a business consultant to AMCV and other clients. She was affiliated with Royal Caribbean Cruises from 1990-98.

At Navatek Cruises, Mike Phillips was promoted to director of operations, overseeing all vessel operations and maintenance. Previously he was safety and training supervisor for Oahu operations. The company also appointed Jacqueline Murai-Pedersen to director of shore services and named Charles Degala director of cruise services. Murai-Pederson will oversee reservations/ dispatch, ticketing, transportation and the photo concession. Previously she worked for Royal Hawaiian Cruises as reservations and office manager.

Degala is responsible for all cruise services, including food and beverage, retail and entertainment. Most recently he was director of sales and marketing for Koolau Catering Services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News Briefs

Hawaii maritime conference, Nov. 30

The Hawaii Maritime Conference IV is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Ballroom. The all-day conference will focus on developing Hawaii’s maritime infrastructure for the new millennium and includes panel discussions, breakout sessions and a luncheon with keynote speaker John Graykowski, acting administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration.

This is the fourth such industry-wide conference, designed to bring together maritime users and service providers in a consensus-building forum to identify, plan and prioritize maritime projects and issues.

Conference sponsors include the Maritime Committee of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Propeller Club-Honolulu, Hawaii Port Maritime Council, AFL-CIO, the state Department of Transportation-Harbors Division, state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, House of Representatives Transportation Committee and Senate Transportation and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.

For registration information, call the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Government Affairs office, 545-4310

Matson/CSX raise fuel surcharges

Citing an “unprecedented climb of fuel prices,” Matson Navigation Company announced on Sept. 15 that it would raise its fuel surcharge by 1 percent, effective Oct. 15. This brings the total fuel surcharge to 4.25%. CSX Lines also will raise its surcharge to the same percentage, effective Oct. 15.

The surcharge is separate from the basic shipping rates and is added to the bottom line on shipping bills.

This is the third time the two companies have raised the fuel surcharge since last October when they both implemented a 1.75% surcharge.

“We had hoped that another increase in the surcharge could be avoided, however, this is unfortunately not the case,” said Paul E. Stevens, senior vice president of marketing at Matson. “While the high cost of fuel has an adverse impact on many businesses, as well as consumers, transportation companies are especially hard hit. We will continue to monitor fuel costs and adjust the surcharge accordingly.”

New cats for Maui cruise market

Maui Classic Charters and Trilogy Excursions have each added a new catamaran to their respective sailing fleets.

The Maui Magic, a 54’ x 17’all-aluminum catamaran built by Kvichak Marine Industries of Seattle, Wash., was recently delivered to Maui Classic Charters of Kihei, Maui. It was designed by Morrelli & Melvin of San Diego, Calif. Powered by twin Cummins SCTA diesel engines driving 28” stainless steel propellers, the vessel will cruise at 20 knots with a top speed of 22 knots.

The Maui Magic is the second Morrelli & Melvin catamaran Kvichak has delivered to Hawaii. Their first was the 54’ Ocean Explorer, delivered to Pacific Whale Foundation on Maui last year. Kvichak is currently constructing a third Morrelli & Melvin catamaran for Atlantis Submarines. Scheduled for delivery in December, 2000, the 54’vessel will be used on Maui to shuttle passengers to an Atlantis submarine for an underwater adventure tour.

Trilogy Excursions of Lahaina, Maui, added a new 55’ x 30’ composite and epoxy catamaran, Trilogy VI, to its fleet. Built by Pacific Rim Yachts of Hoquiam, Wash., the new vessel uses the newest epoxy cold molding technology, according to Trilogy president and co-designer Rand Coon. “This system creates a vessel of incredible strength, exceptional durability and molded design,” Coon said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calendar

October

8
2000 Bank of Hawaii Hinano Molokai Hoe Outrigger Canoe Championship. Men’s 41-mile outrigger canoe race from Molokai to Oahu. Starts 7:30 am at Hale O Lono Harbor, Molokai. Finishes in front of Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki.

12
Monthly Hawaii Operational Safety Team (HOST) meeting. 1-4 pm. Club 14 on CG Base Sand Island. Contact: Lt. Mark Willis (808) 522-8264, ext. 351.

November

11
Honolulu Harbor Festival. 10 am-5 pm. Hawaii Maritime Center to Aloha Tower Marketplace. Day-long waterfront festival with entertainment, exhibits, family activities. Free admission.

17
Marine and Coastal Zone Management Advisory Group (MACZMAG) meeting. 9-11 am. State Office Tower Rm. 204. Contact: Susan Feeney (808) 587-2880.

30
Hawaii Maritime Conference IV, “Developing Hawaii’s Maritime Infrastructure in the New Millennium.” Keynote speaker: John Graykowski, MARAD. 8 am-5 pm.. Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Ballroom. Contact: Chamber Govt. Affairs (808) 545-4310. Fee.

December

14
Monthly Hawaii Operational Safety Team (HOST) meeting. 1-4 pm. Club 14 on CG Base Sand Island. Contact: Lt. Mark Willis (808) 522-8264, ext. 351.

To have your meeting or event listed, please send information to the editor at least four weeks prior to publication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soundings
Trashing the Garbage Logs: Better Late Than Never

by Capt. Parnell Walsh

The Coast Guard has announced that it proposes to rescind that part of 33 CFR 151.55, “Garbage Discharge Records,” which applies to vessels of less than 400 gross tons on domestic voyages.

Back in 1994, when this piece of regulative garbage was imposed upon us, we argued that (1) it would be extremely time-consuming and expensive and (2) this regulation would not do anything to curtail the dumping of garbage at sea.

As written, it provided no way to establish a base line, i.e., how much garbage a given vessel might generate. Therefore, any log reflecting how much garbage was disposed of at the end of the voyage would be utterly meaningless. The Coast Guard ignored these arguments without even attempting to address them, and the regulation became law.

In 1997, when the regulation came up for renewal, we argued against it again. This time we were armed with actual figures based upon three years’ experience, which demonstrated that our original estimates had been very close to reality, despite what the Coast Guard had predicted.

The Coast Guard again blithely and offhandedly rejected our argument with a statement that our estimates were grossly exaggerated. They didn’t challenge our arithmetic. They simply said that our figures couldn’t possibly be right. They also failed to provide any evidence that the regulation had reduced the discharge of garbage in the waterways by a single orange peel.

What they did do was to renew the regulation for another three years.

Now, after six years, after 4,380 wasted man-hours and $367,920 spent by our company alone, the Coast Guard announces that this silly regulation will no longer apply to vessels of less than 400 gross tons on domestic voyages. It can only be assumed that they finally concluded that we were correct about the senselessness of this regulation in the first place.

We should feel relieved, I suppose, to have this burden finally lifted from our shoulders. But it would have been nice if the Coast Guard had at least included something by way of an apology for having wasted our time and money for the past six years.

What they did do was to add insult to injury by crowing about how much the rescinding of the regulation is going to save the industry — $163.5 million over the next 10 years – as though they were presenting us with a gift. It’s like a thief, who has been robbing you on a daily basis, informing you that he’s decided to stop, and expecting you to be grateful for the savings you will realize.

Well, I don’t want to seem ungrateful, so here it is: Thank you, Coast Guard (and the horse you rode in on).

Parnell Walsh is chief captain with Paradise Cruise, Ltd.

Hawaii Ocean Industry provides this space as a forum to express viewpoints on Hawaii’s ocean industry