The stranded sailboat Hula Girl is currently located in the Honolua-Mokulē‘ia Marine Life Conservation District on Maui. Efforts to prevent further ecological damage are underway, with Kapalua Kai Sailing, Inc. coordinating with local authorities. The boat's owner is working with the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) and the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and providing daily updates, according to a Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources release.
The boat has been stable since it grounded last week, but salvage operations have been delayed as several companies are either unavailable or unwilling to take on the task. The DAR dive team has assessed the coral reef damage, which will be reevaluated after the vessel is removed. The salvage plan, approved by DOBOR and DAR, aims for removal between Wednesday next week and February 17.
In response to the grounding, security measures have been increased, with the boat now surrounded by yellow safety tape and no trespassing signs. This follows an incident involving four unauthorized boarders. The owner is working with their insurance provider to hire a security guard during the day to prevent further unauthorized access.
Meghan Statts, DOBOR Administrator, said in the same release, "Trespass onto a vessel is a misdemeanor offense."
