The Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating a report of another sailboat dropping anchor chain on coral in Kailua Bay.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating a report of another sailboat dropping anchor chain on coral in Kailua Bay.
A swimmer, who did not wish to be identified in the newspaper, noticed the chain Sunday morning and contacted DLNR officials on Hawaii Island. She also photographed the chain. She said a DLNR representative contacted the boater Sunday.
Harbor agent William Nahale responded to an email about the incident early Monday morning.
“Wanted to inform you that we are investigating the matter of the transient vessel anchoring in Kailua Bay,” Nahale wrote.
A message and an email seeking additional comment were left Monday with a DLNR spokeswoman, who did not respond as of press time.
If proven to be true, this would be the second such incident in less than two months in Kailua Bay.
In early May, swimmers spotted 40 to 60 feet of anchor chain on coral in the bay off Kailua-Kona. They reported that incident to DLNR, and provided photos.
DLNR investigated that incident and charged a German tourist with damaging the reef. He pleaded guilty before leaving the state. He was fined $100, plus $30 in court fees.