What began as a look at the unregulated use of water-propelled jet packs around Oahu has turned into a state review of thrill-craft operations overall.
State Land Board Chairman William Aila Jr. said he was broadening his review to include the impact of thrill craft on traditional fishing and on fish and coral larvae.
The review followed noise complaints about thrill craft at a public meeting Thursday in the state Department of Land and Natural Resources conference room. "Our job is to balance everybody’s needs," Aila said.
After talks with the Coast Guard two weeks ago, Aila said his department has decided that water-propelled jet packs are thrill craft and must follow the appropriate state rules.
The public meeting was held by the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to receive testimony about the unregulated use of water-propelled jet packs.
Aila said he called for the meeting after division employees and some residents asked him to look at the regulations in light of recent activities at Haleiwa and Kahana Bay.
Under the Hawaii Administrative Rules, personal thrill craft, including water-propelled jet packs, are required to operate at least 500 feet from shore or from a fringing reef.
Businesses may operate thrill craft within a 200-foot radius in state-designated ocean recreation management areas.
Two commercial water-propelled jet pack operations are authorized by the state — one on Oahu and another on Hawaii island.
Waianae fisherman Carl Jellings testified that if he had his way, he would ban the use of thrill craft except for emergency operations such as ocean rescues.
Jellings, an akule fisherman, testified that noise has increased along the Waianae Coast, chasing the fish away from their traditional spots and making fishing difficult.
Marine biologist Robert Richmond said he is worried about the potential impact that the sucking of an immense amount of water for water-propelled craft might have upon fish and coral.
Richmond said fish and coral larvae rise to the surface to spawn, where they could be sucked into a water jet system.
And Coast Guard civilian Kent Richards raised questions about what would happen if equipment operating a water-propelled jet pack fails and the operator falls.
But Richards, a recreation and boating specialist with the Coast Guard, said he has looked at similar activities in California and found no fatalities or injuries.
Commercial jet pack operator Jeffrey Krantz, whose activities take place off Hawaii Kai, said the rider is tethered to a hose.
Krantz, president of Sea Breeze Watersports, said the rider wears a life vest, and his instructor can control the throttle.
Kevin Delaney, who plans to provide "Hydroflyer" equipment for water-propelled jet activities, said a new sport is emerging, and he’s optimistic it will grow.
"Everything new meets resistance, but with cooperation and communication we call all get our needs met," he said.
