Boat operator pays state $15,000 to settle case

Stephen Koehne, a self-proclaimed “pirate,” paid $15,000 to the state to settle a case involving an illegal commercial boating operation in Hanalei Bay on Kauai, said Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman Deborah Ward.

The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation on Nov. 9 brought a civil enforcement action against Koehne regarding three incidents of illegal commercial activity along the Na Pali Coast.

DOBOR said Koehne had been transporting passengers on commercial boat tours, claiming they were friends of friends. Despite warnings that his actions would be considered illegal, he continued to advertise and operate boat tours.

Koehne asked for and was granted a contested case hearing, but the parties settled before the proceedings took place.

“We are very satisfied with the outcome of the enforcement action. … We hope that today’s settlement puts an end to this blatant violation of the rules,” DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood said in a written statement.