The issue of overtourism isn’t confined to natural resources on land, alas. Overcrowding concerns are now surfacing over the ocean viewing of manta rays, majestic creatures that are growing as a visitor attraction.

The state is working to draft Hawaii’s first-ever manta ray viewing regulations, in hopes of curbing user-conflict and safety problems. Some 60-70 vessels — ranging from canoes to boats carrying 50-plus passengers — now do manta-ray tours off Kona. The proposed rules, which include viewing zones and a $300 monthly commercial operating permit, will be subject to public hearings at a later date.