The stranded 65-foot catamaran known as Hula Girl, once an unwelcome sight in Honolua Bay, has finally been moved. According to a post on the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources' website, the salvage operation concluded last Friday, much to the relief of the local West Maui community, the vessel's owner Kapalua Kai Sailing Inc., and the salvage crew itself.
Challenges including high winds, inclement weather, and formidable tides, contributed to the removal operation's delays. Finding a salvage company willing and able to take on the task also presented roadblocks. Eventually, Cates Marine Service LLC, led by Randy Cates, the veteran who previously managed the Nakoa removal in 2023, undertook the job, as reported by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The vessel had been an eyesore and an environmental concern since January when a storm and motor failure led to its grounding against Honolua Bay's rocky embrace. In a joint effort, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation and Division of Aquatic Resources coordinated with the boat's owner for the intricate salvage plan. Preparations for the extraction were completed last Thursday, setting the stage for Friday's successful operation.
An initial assessment by a Division of Aquatic Resources dive team suggested the good news that the bay's coral, fish, or invertebrates seemingly escaped harm. "An initial damage assessment by a DAR dive team suggested no coral, fish, or invertebrates in the bay were harmed," the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources release states.
With help from Foss Marine and the incoming tide, the Hula Girl was freed from the rocks in about an hour. The catamaran will be checked for temporary repairs at Māla small boat ramp before being taken to O‘ahu, as per the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
