Media advisory: Coast Guard increasing on-water presence offshore Oahu during Spring Break

Media Advisory

March 30, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 14th District Hawaii and the Pacific Contact: 14th District Public Affairs Office: (808) 535-3230 After Hours: (808) 341-9849

Media advisory: Coast Guard increasing on-water presence offshore Oahu during Spring Break

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is offering media an opportunity to get underway Friday with Station Honolulu and the Sector Honolulu boarding team in advance of increased patrols during the weekend.  

 

Each year the influx of college students and tourists arriving to Waikiki Bay during Spring Break generates numerous on-water safety concerns. In previous years, large flotillas have emerged encouraging the consumption of alcohol while on the water and pose a significant risk to public safety.

 

The goal for the Coast Guard’s upcoming patrols is to ensure safety of life at sea by preventing search and rescue cases. However, enforcement actions that mitigate or deter illegal activities from escalating are also a top priority.

 

 

Alcohol and drugs can cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.

 

 

Hawaii state law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated — that is, operating a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotics, or other habit-forming drugs.

• Hawaii state law says that a person is considered to be boating while intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more within four hours after the time of the alleged violation. 
• Under Hawaii state law, the penalties for boating while intoxicated include a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both a fine and imprisonment. 
• By operating a vessel in Hawaii state waters, boaters have consented to be tested for alcohol or drugs if requested by a law enforcement official.

Since 2014 all individuals who operate a motorized vessel in Hawaii’s state waters must have taken a boating safety course and be able to show proof of certification. The regulations for compliance with BWI laws are a part of this course. 

 

WHO: Coast Guard Station Honolulu and Coast Guard Sector Honolulu boarding teams.

 

WHAT: Media ride-along aboard a Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat-Medium. Coast Guard spokespersons will be available to speak about the dangers of boating and participating in on-water activities under the influence of alcohol.

 

WHERE: Coast Guard Base Honolulu, 400 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, 96819

 

WHEN: Friday, March 31, at 10:30 a.m. Media are asked to arrive no later than 10:15 a.m.

 

Media interested in a ride along are asked to RSVP no later than Thursday at 4 p.m. by contacting the Coast Guard 14th District public affairs office at 808-535-3230. 

 

Reporters and photographers must have valid media credentials and driver’s licenses. Vehicles entering the base must have proof of registration and auto insurance. Slacks or shorts and close-toed shoes are recommended.

-USCG-