HONOLULU (KHON2) — Efforts are underway to remove the Hula Girl, a sailboat that grounded on a Maui reef during last week’s storm, but the operation is facing some hurdles.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reported that the boat’s owner plans to have the vessel removed next week, though they are encountering difficulties in securing a salvage company to assist with the operation.
The sailboat ran aground in the Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District, an area known for its rich marine life.
DLNR officials shared that a dive team conducted an initial assessment of the reef’s condition today to check for any potential damage caused by the grounding.
The department is continuing to work on a plan to safely remove the boat while minimizing further impact to the reef.