Boat removed from Kohanaiki shoreline

KAILUA-KONA — A 39-foot fishing boat has been removed from Kohanaiki Beach after it ran aground last week.

The “Hoku Kea” was removed from the North Kona shoreline Wednesday, according to Department of Land and Natural Resources Spokeswoman Deborah Ward. The insurance company directed the salvage company to return the vessel to owner Phillip Hoyle and it is at his shop.

She said the salvage company, Cates International of Oahu, planned to continue diving the site Thursday and Friday, if necessary, to remove any items from the water.

Hoyle was cited by DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement for not having a boat education certificate, a violation of Hawaii Administrative Rules 13-244.15.5 (a). He is the only owner listed for Hoku Boats LLC, which operated the “Hoku Kea.”

The “Hoku Kea” ran aground Jan. 22 near Kohanaiki, also known as Pine Trees.