Obtaining an ocean lease in Hawaii state waters is a complicated process. An ocean site must meet many criteria. Foremost in the selection process is community and cultural awareness. Some other factors which must be considered are:

• Acceptance by the fishing community and other ocean users
• Ocean depth
• Ocean current speed and direction
• Interaction with marine life
• Proximity to a harbor

Site selection is time consuming and expensive. Below is a list of coordinates of locations for our proposed ocean cage site on the leeward side of Lanai which were researched and rejected due to factors such as community concern, low current speed and unacceptable bottom samples:
#8- w20 48.994 x n156 59.735
#11- w20 48.657 x n156 59.635
#12- w20 47.739 x n156 59.563
#14- w20 47.798x n156 59.703
#15- w20 47.775 x n156 59.703
**#24 w20 46.176 x n156 59.586
**#26- w20 45.924 x n156 59.630
**#28- w20 46.222 x n156 59.854

Once we have researched a potential site and feel it is viable, proper protocol requires a scoping meeting with numerous state and federal agencies including DLNR-Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaii Department of Health-Clean Water Branch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, and WESTPAC. We are also obligated to present our proposed project to groups or organizations which have a vested interest in Hawaii State Waters such as fishing and diving clubs, shipping companies, environmental groups and residents with cultural concerns. All the while we are documenting the process to produce a thorough environmental assessment draft. Numerous state and federal agencies receive copies of the draft and often submit comments for the submitter to address. Copies of the EA draft will also be distributed to public libraries for community access. During the commenting period, one or more agency may determine that an environmental impact statement is necessary. Once comments are addressed and an EIS is not triggered, we would then submit an EA draft. This whole process culminates in a public hearing which anyone is permitted to speak at.

Maui Fresh Fish Scoping Meeting Literature (Word Document)

Survey Readings (Excel Spreadsheet)

Whale Sightings (PDF)

Ocean Site and Mooring System (PDF)

WestPac Presentation (Doc)