Salvage operations will begin today to remove the 39-foot powerboat “Hoku Kea,” which ran aground Friday evening off Kohanaiki Beach on the Big Island.

Hawaii County closed Kohanaiki Beach Park in Kailua-Kona pending removal of the boat and any hazardous materials. Fuel leaked from the boat onto the beach, and debris from the boat was also found in the area.

The “Hoku Kea” is owned by Hoku Boats LLC. The owner had pollution insurance, which hired PENCO to remove 400 gallons of diesel, a few quarts of oil and seven batteries on Sunday morning. They have also signed a contract with Cates International for the salvage removal process.

The vessel owner was cited by the Department of Land and Natural Resources for operating a vessel without a valid boating safety certificate, which is required by state boating rules.

Swimmers and surfers are being asked to stay out of the water until authorities can clean up the fuel spill and remove the boat and debris from the area.