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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Water-Propelled Jet Packs Under Scrutiny

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is current investigating concerns from residents about the unregulated use of water-propelled jet packs around Oahu.  Officially considered to be a watercraft under federal law, the jet pack allows users to shoot a powerful stream of water that propels users up into the air and holds them up over the ocean like a hovercraft.  The DLNR would have to determine if the jet pack should be redefined as a "thrill craft".  If it is a "thrill craft" then the department would be allowed to regulate its use.  Ester Kia'aina, the deputy director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, stated, "We were alerted by our enforcement agency that they had been receiving complaints from the public and have witnessed activities in areas that were of concern.  If they meet the definition of a vessel under federal law, they're able to launch off of any ramp, and that's clearly something we don't want.  Right now it's not clear what they are, and as a result a lot of people have been skirting the rules and using these units wherever they want, and that's wrong."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 7-17-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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