The state said it does not plan to change the rules governing the use of personal watercraft in recreational waters in wake of a collision that claimed the life of a California teenager.
State boating head Ed Underwood called the accident involving two personal watercraft at Keehi Lagoon Small Boat Harbor on Sunday "rare."
In the past five years, only two personal watercraft recreational accidents have occurred, and neither resulted in serious injuries, according to the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.
"In Hawaii we probably have some of the strictest rules regarding commercial jet ski operations … in the country," he said.
At a news conference Tuesday, Underwood expressed his sympathies to the families of both personal watercraft operators about the "unfortunate incident."
Killed in the accident was 16-year-old Vacaville, Calif., resident Kristen Fonseca. The rider of the second personal watercraft was seriously injured.
Fonseca’s mother said the girl’s watercraft was rammed from behind. The accident occurred between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m., said state Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman Deborah Ward.
Fonseca died Monday at the Queen’s Medical Center. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office on Tuesday said Fonseca died of head injuries suffered in the accident.
The operator of the second watercraft was a 20-year-old man who was taken to a hospital in serious condition after the collision.
State enforcement officer Randy Awo said an investigation is taking place, and declined to release further details until it is completed, including whether there was any violation of state laws.
"It’s still very early," he said. "We really can’t tell right now."
Both Fonseca and the 20-year-old rented their watercraft from Aloha Jet Ski tours, a business that has a commercial permit to operate in a designated riding area off the eastern end of the reef runway.
Aloha Jet Ski’s designated area encompasses a 200-foot radius.
Underwood said there have been no fatalities or major accidents involving the company.
The business has been in operation since 2000 and transferred its ownership last year, he said.
There were two accidents involving operators being separately washed ashore by waves which resulted in no serious injuries, officials said.
Underwood said commercial personal watercraft businesses provide life jackets and safety instruction, and explain the area where the drivers can operate.
Underwood said while state officials regulate where commercial operations occur and the number of personal watercraft in operation is limited to six, there is no state rule limiting speed within the designated riding area.
