Marinas, Recreational Boating, & Nonpoint Source Pollution

A red and white lighthouse at the top of Makapu'u, overlooking the ocean

Marinas & Recreational Boating

Background

Ocean recreation in Hawaii (boating, fishing, and other activities) constitutes a roughly $600 million a year industry. Commercial activities associated with marinas and recreational boating are focused on tourism related activities rather than commercial fishing. In addition, noncommercial boating and marina use are popular among local residents.

Over the last few decades, interest in developing marinas and water-based features in association with residential and resort developments has steadily increased. Without proper Best Management Practices, harbors and marinas can become sites of increased nonpoint source pollution. However, through the proper application of such practices, we can improve the quality of coastal waters.

Best Practices

Hawai’i Administrative Rules (HAR) Chapter 11-56, Appendix C delineates nonpoint source pollution control measures for marinas and recreational boating.

Appendix C describes Best Management Practices to control NPS pollution in these areas, including:

  • Regular water quality assessments
    • Determine if a marina design will or has caused decreases in water quality
  • Site designs that aid water circulation
    • Maintain water quality by preventing settling and buildup of pollutants
  • Habitat assessments
    • Ensure marinas do not destroy important aquatic habitats
  • Shoreline stabilization through vegetation
    • Prevents shoreline erosion and reduces the delivery of pollutants to water resources
  • Prevent pollutants from maintenance areas from entering the water
    • Vessel maintenance, boat bottom scraping, sanding, painting, fueling, sewage management, and other marina operations often produce pollution that gets swept into the ocean with stormwater
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