| Trouble in
Paradise The Ala Wai Boat Harbor in Honolulu is known to many anarchists out there because this is where most Transpac boats are moored after arriving in Hawaii. It's also a stopping off point for cruisers on their way to the South Pacific. Unfortunately, this harbor has been in the news lately due to the general state of disrepair and condemnation of nearly 1/3 of the 700 slips. Here is the latest scandalous news. Magic Island Petroleum, aka the Fuel Dock, is facing termination of their lease. This is the only fuel, propane and sanitary pump-out facility in the state's largest small-boat harbor, and the state plans to shut it down. The fuel dock also provides ~15 private moorings (Tahiti-tied). Disclaimer: My wife and I have our boat moored here (we've been on the waiting list for a state slip for over 2 years, probably 2 more years to wait). I've attached a copy of the recommendations that the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) has submitted to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Land Board, to be decided on this Friday November 17. In summary, DOBOR is recommending that the Fuel Dock's month-to-month lease be terminated. They are offering to issue a new lease for a marine service facility, but without the mooring permits. Without the revenue generated from the mooring permits, the Fuel Dock will no longer be financially solvent. They simply do not generate enough revenue to pay for someone to be working without the additional revenue provided by the boats moored there. Have you ever been to the Ala Wai Boat Harbor? Maybe you did a Transpac and fueled up at the Fuel Dock before delivering the boat back to the West Coast. Or perhaps you live in Hawaii and use the fuel dock on a regular basis and would like to continue to do so. If you would like to get involved, then please send an e-mail describing your appreciation of the fuel dock to the two gentlemen listed below: Ed.R.Underwood |