Boat flotsam removed from Kahana Bay

The state removed a 20-foot vessel Saturday that had smashed into rocks at Kahana Bay, but officials have not yet determined whether the boat is debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami.

The boat, which apparently washed ashore Thursday, had broken into several large pieces. State Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman Deborah Ward said there is Japanese writing near the front of the vessel. It also appeared to be infested with barnacles.

She said DLNR personnel will try to find a registration number or other identifying information on the boat to determine if the vessel is tsunami debris.

In recent months, several large pieces of debris have washed ashore or been found in nearshore water, including a 20-foot skiff, a concrete floating boat dock and a 4-foot-tall blue bin.

DLNR has asked residents to report suspected tsunami debris, noting where it was sighted, what it looked like and what kind of organisms were on it. Reports can be called in at 587-0400, or emailed to dlnr.marine.debris@hawaii.gov.

Those reporting debris should take a photo of the debris if possible and leave their contact information.

Call 911, however, to report hazardous materials, including fuel tanks, gas tanks or similar items.