Problem → Community Action → Proposed Change → Status.
Kingdom Pathways worked with community to propose amendments to HAR §13-244-33 that address the existing mooring area and strengthen protections for swimmers, paddlers, and nearshore waters.
THE CONCERN
Existing rules allow a 72-hour mooring area inside Pōkaʻī Bay, creating concerns around competing ocean uses, safety, and environmental impacts.
COMMUNITY ACTION
Kingdom Pathways held community meetings, gathered 415 petition signatures, and worked with community to develop proposed changes.
THE PROPOSAL
Amend HAR §13-244-33 to remove the existing mooring area and expand the swimming and bathing area within Pōkaʻī Bay.
Proposed Pōkaʻī Bay Safety & Access Zones
Zone A – Bathing & Swimming Area
Zone A designates the interior waters of Pōkaʻi Bay as a bathing and swimming area. The proposed rule would prohibit vessels from operating or mooring within this zone, creating a safer environment for swimmers, keiki, families, and other recreational users.
Zone B – Outrigger Canoe Access Corridor
Zone B designates a dedicated area for outrigger canoe use and ocean access. Outrigger canoes may transit through Zone A solely for the purpose of traveling between the shoreline and open ocean, helping preserve traditional and recreational canoe activities while improving public safety.
Buoy Markers & Boundary Management
The proposed buoy markers would clearly identify Zone A and Zone B boundaries within Pōkaʻi Bay. These boundaries are intended to improve safety, reduce user conflicts, protect recreational and cultural uses of the bay, and address long-standing community concerns regarding vessel activity and extended mooring within the bay.
Aloha Kākou
Your kōkua helps restore ʻāina, protect wai, and uplift ea for our keiki and future generations. It supports the full scope of Kingdom Pathways work from native restoration and shade tree planting, to water quality monitoring and environmental health, to youth leadership, cultural education, and community advocacy.
Every dollar goes directly into community-driven solutions rooted in ʻike kupuna and guided by community voice.