Definitions of Kauai ORMAs
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§13-256-31 Definition. "North Shore Kauai Ocean Recreation Management Area" means all ocean waters and navigable streams located between the eastern boundary of Moloaa Bay and the southernmost boundary of Na Pali Coast State Park extending three thousand feet seaward of the territorial sea baseline as shown on Exhibit "A", dated June 30, 1988.
NOTE: There is no designated thrillcraft riding area in this ORMA.
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§13-256-50 Definition. "South Shore Kauai Ocean Recreation Management Area" means all waters of the State from Lae Niau located at the north boundary of Kealia Beach, Kauai, Hawaii, to the west boundary of Salt Pond Beach Park, Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii, extending three thousand feet seaward of the territorial sea baseline as shown on Exhibit "G", "South Shore Kauai, Hawaii," dated February 27, 1998 (AMENDED 10/19/02).
NOTE: There is no designated thrill craft riding area in this ORMA. Per §13-256-56(d), thrill craft are not allowed in the Wailua River Restricted Area.
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How do I access the ocean with my thrill craft on Kauai?
In an ORMA without a riding area, you can still legally transit through the ORMA to a point 3,000 feet from nearest land to fish, water ski, water tube, dive, etc. If you are launching into a non-designated ORMA, you may transit to a point beyond 500 feet from shore or beyond the fringing reef. Remember that you cannot tow-in surf or practice tow-in surfing without meeting specific requirements.
These are your points of entry:
In addition, you may gain access to the ocean waters from a county ramp, from a private beachfront property, from a private yacht harbor or marina, or from a private loading dock.
From the entry point, you may launch and proceed at slow no wake speed while within 300 feet of nearest land. You must take the most direct route seaward with safety considerations toward the open ocean. You may accelerate once beyond 300 feet and deviate SLIGHTLY from your route to avoid other vessels, diver-down flags, swimmers, etc. Remember that you must reduce your rate of travel to slow-no-wake within 200 feet of those ocean users. Once beyond 3,000 feet from shore, you may operate freely except for tow-in surfing or practice tow-in surfing.
