HOST
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Thursday, April 15, 2010
2:00 – 4:00 pm
HCC MARINE EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTER
10 Sand Island Access Road (Right after drawbridge)
The meeting was called to order by HOST Chair Robin Bond. There were 43
members in attendance.
1. Ed Underwood from State DLNR and CDR Jason Neubauer from the Coast Guard made
presentations to clarify the recent statements made by the State regarding canoe
racing in various navigable channels. In March, the State had made two
statements, one that there would be no more canoe races in Ala Wai, Keehi and
Maunalua channels. Later, they restated the situation that canoe races would be
allowed but the clubs would have to hire State DLNR enforcement personnel at
$1,500 per race to close the channels. These statements caused much confusion
and drew serious outrage by canoe clubs. The Coast Guard overall concerns
presented were:
Safety-That there is an adequate number of safety assets in relation to the number of participants.
Location/Timing-Is the event in navigable channel or high traffic areas?
Environmental Impact-Is the event planned in a State or Federal environmentally sensitive area?
Security-Does the event need fallout, buffer or other zone?
Fire Hazard-Will the event involve fireworks, flares, or other type of pyrotechnics?
At the earlier HOST Advisory Board meeting on April 8, HOST had invited
the same two speakers to explain the States and Coast Guards position and the
canoe representatives that attended asked to have the same presentation made at
the membership meeting where more people could attend.
Ed Underwood assured the members that race permits would be available as have
been done for the past 30 years and that the channels would need to be closed
only on special very large events such as fireworks displays. It was agreed that
the canoe clubs would continue to work with the short staffed DLNR to make
permits easier to obtain and follow. Bob Heinrich asked about the Yacht Clubs
race start in the channel. Ed suggested that the Yacht Clubs apply for another
permit and he sees no reason why they can’t start in the turnaround area as they
did before.
2. LCDR Jeff Taylor from NOAA gave an informative presentation on the Physical
Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS). He gave a through overview and explained
what Hawaii should do to speed up the installation and possibly have the Federal
government cover the cost of the system.
3. Bruce
McEwan gave an update on the status of the Falls of Clyde. The Friends
have completed a Pre-Dry Dock Request for Proposals (RFP) which will bring in
the cost estimates for dry dock. This RFP will be used in the upcoming Saving
America’s Treasurers Grant application. The Friends have received a small grant
to hire a part-time technical project manager to direct work at pier side. The
resolution of the Pfeiffer Endowment is scheduled for an April 29th court date
with all involved supportive of the Endowment following the Falls.