The Board of Land and Natural Resources yesterday levied $550,000 in fines against a Maui tour boat company for damaging coral in the pristine waters of Molokini. This is the highest fine ever given by the state involving an area that is supposed to be preserved. How did it this come about? “The company’s mechanic on shore had ignored the Kai Anela captain’s plea for a tow after the vessel was floundering. Life preservers were not made available to the 15 people aboard the tour boat before they had to jump into choppy seas dangerously close to Molokini crater, according to a DLNR report.” The owner issued an apology, but the 32-foot Kai Anela and subsequent salvage efforts killed or injured 661 to 871 coral colonies over a total area of 2,067 square feet. For the record, this firm has been operating accident free for 30 years, however it seems that someone got used to being accident-free and got lazy.
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