A Maui sailing company is facing criticism after some claim one of its vessels approached dolphins too closely. This is the same tour group that encountered controversy last week when one of its boats ran aground.
MAUI, Hawai’i (Island News) – A sailing company is under scrutiny after activists alleged that one of its catamarans endangered dolphins at Honolua Bay by not maintaining an appropriate distance.
The Save Honolua Coalition identified the vessel as belonging to Teralani, the same company whose boat became stuck near Whalers Village last week.
To support its claim, the group posted a video on social media showing the sailboat allegedly breaching the 50-yard legal limit by getting too near a pod of dolphins.
“It’s frustrating because it looks like the boat was within 50 yards of the dolphins and I believe the video confirms that,” said coalition member John Carty.
Carty noted that the footage documented the incident after the vessel finished a snorkeling tour.
“And then dolphins followed them in, and they turned around, chased the dolphins into Honolua Bay, and then altered their course to follow them,” Carty explained.
“Honolua Bay ought to be a sanctuary for the dolphins and other marine wildlife, as well as for cultural practitioners like canoeists and surfers.”
Island News contacted Teralani for a response and is awaiting feedback. Additionally, we are looking for updates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s law enforcement division.