Honolulu City Council Bill Bans Shark Tours, not just in Hawaii Kai
You've read in my blogs previously about the strong opposition in Hawaii Kai to the shark tours proposed earlier this year in Maunalua Bay. After hearings around the island, with many residents opposed to any shark tours anywhere, the Honolulu City Council introduced a bill to ban shark tour operations. Bill 67 calls for penalizing violators up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both. The measure was introduced by Councilman Charles Djou, whose district includes Waikiki and Hawaii Kai.
Bill 67 acknowledges the importance of aquatic activities and notes as well that sharks have “great cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for many Native Hawaiians.” The bill also states that shark tours “may be disruptive of ocean ecology and the natural environment.”
Currently, at least two shark tour operations — North Shore Shark Adventures and Hawaii Shark Encounters — operate on Oahu’s North Shore, where customers view sharks from a submerged cage. If you have an opinion about the bill, contact your council members and Mayor Hannemann.
Barbara Abe, Realtor
barbara@barbarashawaii.com