This agreement is part of several new management actions DLNR is developing to protect the natural and cultural resources of Kealakekua Bay and to address user conflicts.

The land and ocean portions of Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park and Marine Life Conservation District are jointly managed by four DLNR divisions – Aquatic Resources, Boating and Ocean Recreation (in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard), State Parks, and Conservation and Resources Enforcement -- who will be implementing management actions approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

“Kealakekua Bay, with its imposing cliffs and pristine, welcoming bay, is an outstanding example of the richness of the natural, historical and cultural resources of Hawai‘i that can be found in one location,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR interim chairperson.

“It is one of the most special places in Hawaii, and for that reason we are pleased that the Kayak Alliance of the Islands has stepped forward in partnership with DLNR, and expended much time and effort to develop and implement a visitor orientation program at Napo‘opo‘o Pier,” Thielen said.

Under DLNR’s agreement with KAI, the nonprofit group has an attendant at Napo‘opo‘o Pier to providing information on safety, resource protection and history of the area to the public.

The briefing aims to educate visitors and local residents on proper behavior around marine mammals and the coral reef while paddling and snorkeling the Bay.

According to KAI member Geoff Hand, “The Bay Steward Program has welcomed and educated over 15,000 visitors and local residents about marine conservation and the history of the area since our pier steward program began…

“Our education goals include: 1. Respect the dolphins - maintain a 50 yards distance from dolphins and never swim with them. 2. Protect the coral reef and do not feed the fish: do not stand on the coral or the ocean bottom, and wear a life jacket while snorkeling to help avoid touching coral. 3. Leave no impact on the land or the sea…”

Hand says, “Once they hear the rules, most visitors are pleased to help preserve this beautiful Bay.”

“We would like the public to know this important marine education and community program was accomplished through the support of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, KAI volunteers, and assistance of DLNR,” he said.

The KAI education program at Kealakekua Bay has been a project of local resident and now KAI president Betsy Morrigan for over ten years. Morrigan has worked with DLNR staff in the conceptual plan for the park and in many community and working groups to preserve and protect Kealakekua Bay.

DLNR has developed two brochures, produced and funded by the nonprofit KAI, which will be available to the public at Napo‘opo‘o Pier from the pier attendant. The “Makai” brochure is a general introductory guide to help people better understand and respectfully take care of the natural and cultural resources of Hawai‘i’s ocean (makai) zone.

The other brochure, “Kealakekua Bay” provides an overview of its history as a ruling center of Kona over 1,000 years ago – and the changes the region has faced as a traditional fishing and farming economy gave way to new trades.

Ka‘awaloa Cove, with its historic Cook monument, is now a popular destination of kayakers and snorkelers coming to the bay. The conservation message in both the brochures is personalized to bay visitors when KAI bay stewards ask guests to observe these guidelines before they paddle the bay.
 

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