State takes control of grounded boat near Maui cultural site

The state is taking control of a 56-foot motorboat, Kuuipo, that has been grounded on the north side of the Lahaina Boat Harbor channel since earlier this month to prevent it from damaging the culturally significant Hauola Stone.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation plans to hire a contractor to move the vessel, which has been grounded since March 8 and on Saturday came within eight feet of Hauola Stone, to a safe location, according to a press release issued today. It also plans to hire a salvage contractor to remove the vessel “by any means necessary.”

DOBOR said they told the boat’s owner Vernon Ray Lindsey of Wailuku that he was prohibited from bringing the boat near the Hauola Stone, and that he had told them that planned to hire salvage company to remove the vessel.

DLNR Deputy Director Laura Kaakua said in a statement, “The Hauola stone is where the Pi‘ilani ali‘i line of Maui birthed their children. It is a sacred site. DLNR did not permit the owner to bring their boat anywhere near the stone, and specifically directed the owner to stay far away from the cultural site.”

Kaakua added, “The majority of boat owners are responsible, but recent actions by a few have harmed Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources. Damage to our reefs and cultures sites is unacceptable. DLNR is exploring ways to enforce responsible ownership to protect our ocean environment.”

DOBOR Assistant Administrator Meghan Statts said today in a letter to Lindsey, “You are hereby notified that in order to protect this culturally significant site as well as to protect the natural resources…the State of Hawaii, through DOBOR, is immediately taking control of Kuuipo.”

Statts added, “Any unauthorized persons found aboard the vessel will be charged with trespassing. You are further notified that you (Lindsey) will be responsible for reimbursing the state for all costs and expenses associated with the removal and disposal of Kuuipo, and all administrative costs. Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) are on scene.”

Lindsey also was informed that the state considers him liable for any damage to coral and/or live rock as the result of the grounding and salvage.