Following a severe weather event in Hawai‘i, the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) has been actively cleaning up debris and rubbish across the state. The Ala Wai Canal and Small Boat Harbor were among the areas heavily affected, where a temporary trash boom and a permanent trap were instrumental in preventing the majority of waste from reaching the harbor and ocean. According to a report published on January 31st, 2025, by the Governor of Hawaii's official newsroom, a variety of objects, inclusive of a dead puffer fish and a mattress, were collected from the traps.
"The temporary boom on the mauka side of the bridge will be left in place through the weekend," revealed DOBOR Administrator Meghan Statts in the report. Intended to contain rubbish, the permanent trap on the makai side of the Ala Moana bridge was already full by Thursday morning, necessitating heavy machinery to lift waste into dumpsters—a process started early by a DOBOR contractor at 6 a.m. and slated for completion throughout the day.
Efforts to deal with the aftermath of the storm extended to Maunalua Bay, where a three-person DOBOR crew used a small front loader, shovels, and brooms to clear a significant accumulation of floating vegetation from the East O‘ahu boat ramp, aiming to render it usable by the end of the day.
A greater concern emerged with the grounding of several boats across the islands due to the storm. The 65-foot catamaran named Hula Girl found itself stranded in Honolua-Mokulē‘ia Marine Life Conservation District; its owner, in collaboration with DOBOR and the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), is developing a salvage plan that considers the surrounding coral reef's integrity. DOBOR is working to address groundings on Maui, including a power boat near Kamaole Beach Park One and a trimaran off Kaunakakai Harbor. Moreover, a 30-foot vessel was secured by its owner after running aground in Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor on Kaua‘i, and another vessel sunk in Hawai‘i Island's Hilo Bay, with its owner currently assessing the removal process.
In light of these events, Statts urged all boat owners and operators to heed weather forecasts, secure their vessels properly, and avoid heading out prior to storms. The beach and waters remain open in the affected areas, but with United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Team Maui and the State Department of Health Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office closely monitoring for any signs of pollution, vigilance is advised.
