DLNR Relaxes COVID-19 Rules for Commercial, Recreational Boats

Capt. Chris Turner, owner of Na Pali Riders, is seen here about to ride the Zodiac into a sea cave during a tour in 2019. Photo by Léo Azambuja

The State of Hawai῾i, through the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, with the concurrence of the Counties of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, Maui and of the City and County of Honolulu, is lifting certain COVID-19 emergency restrictions imposed on larger commercial and recreational boating, and on ocean recreation, according to a DLNR news release.

“This change in rules is effective immediately and allows commercial and recreational boats, with a rated U.S. Coast Guard capacity of more than ten, to not exceed their rated capacity by no more than 50 percent, provided they operating under the Boating and Ocean Recreation COVID-19 guidelines,” DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood said.

These “Act With Care” phase guidelines are based on Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, as well as input from boaters in Hawai‘i and in coordination with the counties. The protocols cover physical distancing, hygiene protocols, staffing, and cleaning and disinfecting.

All crews and passengers are covered by these rules and they apply to all commercial and recreational boats in all four counties.

Visit https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/covid-19-dobor-response/ for information on the guidelines.