Transiting Through ORMAs

Up until 2012, the Hawaii Administrative Rules only allowed thrill craft operators to launch a vessel at launching or harbor facilities or private, beachfront property and take the most direct routes (given safety considerations) through an ORMA between a designated recreational thrill craft riding zone and the point of entry (launch ramp/private property). Thrill craft were not allowed to launch into the waters of an ORMA unless there was a designated thrill craft riding area.

Following a review of the rule and issuance of an opinion from the Office of the Attorney General, DLNR/DOBOR changed its policy to allow a recreational thrill craft operator to take the most direct route (given safety considerations) through an ORMA beyond 3,000 feet from shore to the undesignated waters of the State, regardless of the presence of a designated riding area in the ORMA.

Once beyond 3,000 feet from shore, outside of the ORMA, the operator may use their thrill craft as he/she sees fit with one exception: tow-in surfing. Tow-in surfing is confined to designated areas, and practice tow-in surfing must be permitted by DOBOR. All other rules pertaining to thrill craft and vessel operation in State waters are still in effect, including:

• the slow-no-wake requirement around swimmers, other vessels, 300 feet of the shoreline;
• rules safeguarding all marine protected species;
• carriage requirements.

This change was designed to provide you with much greater access to the ocean. Listings of available DLNR/DOBOR ramps can be found at: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/dobor-facilities/

Please do not abuse this privilege. Please protect all ocean inhabitants and be cognizant of the damage you can inflict with your water jet on our shallow water environments. And finally, please be respectful of all ocean users and allow them to enjoy the resource as freely as you do.