Efforts to remove one-time Hollywood boat from Waikiki harbor begin
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The process of removing a twin-hulled vessel that once appeared in Hollywood movies started Thursday ― months after it started taking on water.
The state impounded the Navatek II several months ago after its owner failed to pay $16,000 in mooring fees. Because the boat was listing, the state had to pay a contractor to pump it regularly.
But that emergency measure failed after the contractor recently determined that mud had gotten into one of the hulls, and the vessel was determined to be no longer seaworthy.
That left the state with just one option: Lift the vessel from the water.
Crews started that work Thursday ― at a cost of $35,000 ― and the state hopes to auction off the boat eventually to recoup some of that money.
If it can’t, the state will swallow it.
“Unfortunately, when boat owners do not keep up with their obligations or lack enough insurance to salvage their inoperable vessels the burden falls to every boater in the state," said Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation O‘ahu District Manager Meghan Statts.
“We’re forced to dip into the boating special fund, which is made up entirely of fees individual boaters pay for the use of slips, moorings, live aboard privileges.”
The Navatek II was featured in several Hollywood movies, including “The Lost World: Jurassic Park."
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