Question: Whatever happened to the complaints about ocean craft activities that used water jets to lift riders into the air and their potential impact upon reef and fish?

Answer: The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said it doesn’t have any scientific information about the effect of Jetlev activities on the near-shore ecosystem.

For now, the department’s classification of water-jet use as a Jet Ski kind of activity seems to have limited its operation to two areas on Oahu — Maunalua Bay and Keehi Lagoon.

Both Jet Ski and Jetlev, propelled by jets of water, are ocean craft designed for recreational use.

A Jet Ski-type watercraft propels the rider across the ocean, while Jetlev’s jet packs lift riders into the air.

Edward Underwood, administrator of the state boating and ocean recreation division, said rules are already in place regulating where Jetlevs may be operated both recreationally and commercially.

He said the division does not feel expanding the use of these types of water craft will increase tourism.

"In fact, people come to Hawaii to enjoy the natural resource and there needs to be a balance between all types of recreational activities taking place in nearshore waters," he said. "Our primary concern is the natural resources."

All commercial water operations, including boating and use of Jet Skis, pay a fee of 3 percent of gross or $200 a month, according to the state.

Besides Jetlev, other companies have been coming out with similar ocean flying activities, including Rocky Mountain Flyboards.

The flyboards feature water jets coming from a board attached to the rider’s feet. The jets perform various maneuvers including lifting a rider into the air.

Jeff Krantz, the owner of Sea Breeze Watersports in Hawaii Kai, said Jetlev offers visitors more alternatives for recreation and increases the attraction of Hawaii as a visitor destination and revenue to the state.

Krantz said he’s invested about $100,000 in developing the Jetlev operation, including building a support boat.

He said he feels the state has changed its rules governing activities requiring permits so he can’t operate as planned.

"It wasn’t a permitted activity," Krantz said. "Now I guess it is."

Krantz said he has been operating Jetlev as a separate commercial activity for two years.

Krantz said by classifying Jetlev as a Jet Ski, both operations have to now take place in an area where he already has Jet Ski activity and there’s not enough room for a Jetlev operation without shutting down the other one.

"It definitely has taken a toll. It’s really not fair," Krantz said.

Krantz said he hopes the state will set aside additional areas for Jetlev activities.

"We’re kind of in limbo," he said.

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This update was written by Gary T. Kubota. Suggest a topic  for “Whatever Happened To…” by writing Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-210, Honolulu 96813; call 529-4747; or email cityeditors@staradvertiser.com.