Authorities investigate ships too close to Na Pali coast

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is assisting the Department of Land and Natural Resources in investigating two cruise ships that are allegedly docked too close to Kauai’s north shore.

State regulations require that commercial vessels carrying 50 or more passengers are not allowed to operate in the waters of the Na Pali Coast, even within 3,000 feet seaward of the shore.

Images of the ships were shared on social media.

Hawaii residents alerted officials to the problem, the HTA news release said.

“HTA is also in contact with participating cruise lines as well as other cruise operators visiting Hawaii to emphasize the importance of complying with all state and local regulations on our islands,” the release said.

Authorities did not name which cruise lines were involved, but several news media outlets reported that Royal Caribbean operated them. Spectrum News reached out to the cruise line for more information but did not receive a response.

DLNR declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at [email protected].