Ocean Tourism Coalition

OTC is very active on the legislative front providing both offense and defense to legislative measures that will either benefit or impair the industry.  Here just some successes: 

• OTC successfully stalled a bill to assess $5.00 per passenger on every commercial tour to Molokini.
• OTC successfully stopped at the very last step in the legislative process, a 40% increase in commercial fees attached to the Lingle Administration’s Recreational Renaissance Plan.
• OTC fought for and got the first day use of mooring pins despite environmental opposition saying we would damage the environment. We want to be known as the people who leave only bubbles.
• OTC killed proposals to ban any commercial activity in Marine Life Conservation Districts on Maui, Kauai, Hawaii and Oahu.
• OTC intervened in legislation that was in “inches” of passing to set fines of up to $10,000 per square meter of damaged stony coral.
• Provided successor language to the law for transfer of a commercial permit to benefit the current owner.
• Got the auction and 20 year maximum permit provision for parasailing changed to a year to year permit like all others.
• OTC has softened the impact of dozens of administrative rules on fines, penalties, the renewal process, damage re-ports, scuba diver regs and fee proposals to benefit ocean tourism owners.
• OTC has been a prime proponent of the concept that berthing rights are essential to the continuation of the business and unless a permittee is in violation of laws, the renewal of the slip should be protected.
• OTC got the first piece of legislation passed in 2008 that allows for certain interharbor use without the payment of additional fees.