DLNR Stands Idly by as Giant Diesel Fuel Spill Pollutes Harbor

Environmentalist Suzanne Case, who was Governor David Ige's pick for DLNR Chair, seems to have no answer for why it was impossible for the United States Coast Guard to secure the help of the DLNR in order to get access to a boat thought to be leaking gallons of raw diesel fuel into the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor during the week of February 1st, 2019.  The U.S. Coast Guard informed us that they are not lawfully allowed to enforce within the State's jurisdiction and that they first needed to coordinate with DLNR personnel before boarding State-impounded vessels, even those suspected of leaking hundreds of gallons of oil into the water.  As a result, the Coast Guard was relegated to standing back and watching the mess get worse while all DLNR personnel went home for the weekend.

After numerous complaints of toxic fumes coming off the water from the diesel spillage, the Honolulu Fire Department was called, along with the police department.  Several boat tenants were made sick by the noxious odor. It was eventually discovered, by the Honolulu Fire Department, that the boat next door to the one originally suspected of the spill was the culprit; a mechanic was quickly called in, and the problem was solved.  DLNR personnel were home eating dinner when all of this was happening, and, no doubt, found out about it on the following Monday.  It's still not certain if environmentalist, Susanne Case, is even aware of the major spill.