The U.S. Coast Guard recently completed Operation Koa Kai, a month-long maritime security and safety operation off Hawaiʻi Island..
The annual operation, carried out in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement, focused on safeguarding the coastal waters and maritime assets, ensuring the well-being of both residents and visitors.
Operations completed include:
- 137 underway hours with 19 joint patrol hours
- Two search and rescue responses
- 26 maritime security and response operation patrols
- 11 small vessel security boardings (SVSB)
- Three high-capacity passenger vessel escorts
- 24 Response Boat-Small boardings and nine uninspected passenger vessel boardings
- Dockside inspections conducted in collaboration with the Marine Safety Team (MST) Hawaii for certificate of inspection verification.
While taking part in Operation Koa Kai, the Coast Guard Maritime Safety & Security Team 91107 Honolulu (MSST) provided safety zone enforcement for the 2.4-mile swim course included last month’s Ironman World Championship Women’s Race.
The MSST played a pivotal role in a collaborative interagency effort, joining forces with agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Federal Air Marshals, Department of Defense, Hawaiʻi Police Department, Hawaiʻi Sheriff’s Office, Hawaiʻi Conservation Officers, Hawaiʻi County Fire Department, and the Ironman Public Safety/Emergency Management department.
Agencies involved in Operation Koa Kai include:
- U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety & Security Team Honolulu (MSST)
- U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Team (MST) Hawaiʻi
- NOAA Office of Law Enforcement (OLE)
- DLNR Hawaiʻi Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement
- Kona Police Department