Molokai community helps clean boat debris off Papohaku Beach | News, Sports, Jobs

The Maui News

The Molokai community came together to clean up Papohaku Beach, after a boat that was grounded on the reef last week broke apart in heavy surf and littered the shoreline with debris.

Mega, a 50-foot motor vessel, ran aground off Ilio Point and began taking on water on Oct. 3. The U.S. Coast Guard and Maui Fire Department rescued five mariners aboard.

After the boat broke apart, local volunteers collected most of the debris and placed it high on the shoreline, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. DLNR Deputy Director Laura Kaakua said the actions of local residents made a big difference.

“This was a good example of a community and government coming together,” Kaakua said in a news release Friday. “DLNR extends our heartfelt appreciation to the Maunaloa community for their care of Papohaku.”

DLNR said that Molokai residents Brandon Joao of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and James Espaniola of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife also responded to the scene. Espaniola has arranged a helicopter lift of the remaining heavy items and bags.

Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation staff on Molokai, Maui and Oahu have been working to identify a salvage contractor able to conduct any additional cleanup.

State law requires 24 hours be given to owners to remove grounded vessels before DOBOR takes jurisdiction of the vessel and salvage. The boat owner had indicated he had insurance, but it turned out he did not have salvage coverage, DLNR said.

The Division of Aquatic Resources also is standing by to conduct marine surveys to assess any damage to the coral reef, DLNR said.

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