DLNR/DOBOR OAHU DISTRICT MANAGER - I received a call this afternoon about 1:50pm stating that they were able to safely remove the grounded vessel at high tide today.  They counter weighed the vessel so that the keel would not touch any reef during the removal.  They were planning on taking the vessel to Keehi SBH, but plans changed shortly after that.  I received another phone call from the owner informing me that the vessel was taking on water at a high rate of speed and that they weren't able to keep up with the amount of water coming in so they were taking the vessel to deep water to sink it.  I informed him that he needed to speak with the USCG and he said that he did and that they didn't have an issue because all the hazmat and other materials were removed from the vessel.  They were planning on sinking it outside of the 3 mile mark which is out of the State's jurisdiction.  I asked the owner to contact me later to let me know the outcome and that he should keep in touch with the Coast Guard as well.
WAIKIKI                       