Urgent Call to Action – Protect Hawaii’s Commercial Boating Industry

Subject: Urgent Call to Action – Protect Hawaii’s Commercial Boating Industry

Aloha All Commercial Boat Operators,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out about an urgent matter affecting our entire commercial boating industry statewide, including operators, employees, and many businesses connected to our vibrant ocean-based economy.

The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DLNR-BOR) has implemented an immediate hold on issuing new Commercial Use Permits (CUPs) and will not allow any passenger capacity increases or activity changes for existing operators. This decision impacts all current and future commercial ocean activities statewide and is tied to an ongoing lawsuit concerning environmental compliance for permits in Ka’anapali. The recent court ruling has expanded this case’s implications to all permits in Hawaii, meaning DLNR-BOR will not resume issuing permits nor allow any expansions until full compliance with environmental review laws is confirmed—a process that remains uncertain.

My understanding is that even if you have previously received approval or communicated about changes to your CUP, these will now ultimately be denied. Many commercial operators are in the process of building or purchasing new boats, and they will not be able to utilize these significant capital investments, potentially putting their businesses at risk of bankruptcy.

To Clarify:

• No re-issuance of any CUPs currently held by DLNR-BOR or obtained in the future.

• No additions to vessel passenger counts.

• No additions or changes to ocean activities on CUPs.

This sudden decision could have devastating effects on our businesses, livelihoods, and the broader community that relies on commercial boating and tourism.

It is unclear why DLNR-BOR has not made a public announcement regarding this significant internal decision, which will impact so many businesses across the state. We believe it is crucial that this information be shared immediately. Please feel free to forward this to any other companies that should be made aware of these developments.

We need your immediate support and action:

1. Contact your local DLNR-BOR office and the main office in Honolulu to voice your concerns clearly and forcefully about how this decision impacts your business.

2. Reach out directly to your state senators to request their immediate attention and assistance in protecting our industry.

3. Spread the word among your networks. The more voices we have, the stronger our impact will be.

Please use the links below to make your voices heard:

• DLNR-BOR Contacts: DLNR Contact Link

• Hawaii State Senators Contacts: Hawaii Senate Contacts

Time is critical. Immediate action is required to protect the future of commercial boating in Hawaii.

Mahalo for your prompt attention and support.

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Subject: Urgent Follow-Up – Clarifying DLNR-BOR’s Impact on Existing CUPs

We’ve received multiple calls from operators statewide, and we want to clarify a key point regarding the recent DLNR-BOR decision:

**All existing Commercial Use Permits (CUPs) are still eligible for renewal and/or transfer—**as long as no changes are made to the vessel passenger count or the permitted activities on the CUP.

The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DLNR-BOR) has placed a hold on issuing any new CUPs and will not approve any changes to existing permits that involve:

• Increases in vessel passenger capacity

• Additions or modifications to the permitted ocean activities

To Summarize:

• ✅ Existing CUPs can be renewed and/or transferred, as long as there are no changes to passenger capacity or permitted activities.
• ❌ DLNR-BOR will not issue new CUPs to new applicants or those currently on a waitlist.
• ❌ DLNR-BOR will not approve increases in vessel passenger count—even with USCG approval for higher capacity.
• ❌ DLNR-BOR will not approve any new or modified permitted ocean activities on existing CUPs.

We understand the uncertainty this creates for many operators and the broader marine industry. At this time, there is no known timeframe for how long these restrictions will remain in place. We are hopeful this will not be permanent, but we must act now to ensure our voices are heard.

We need your immediate support and action:

1. Contact your local DLNR-BOR office and the Honolulu main office to voice how this decision impacts your business.
2. Reach out to your state senators and request their support in protecting our industry.
3. Share this information with your networks. Collective action is critical.

Contact Resources:

• DLNR-BOR Contacts: DLNR Contact Link
• Hawaii State Senators Contacts: Hawaii Senate Contacts

Time is of the essence. Mahalo for your continued support and quick action to protect Hawaii’s commercial boating community.