Concerns over Kona coast manta ray tours
Swimming with manta rays off Kona’s coast is an awe-inspiring experience, but rising concerns about safety and overcrowding have sparked debate.
A Couple Tragically Drowns While Snorkeling in Maui
A couple from Washington State died while snorkeling near Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve in Maui.
'Bad practices': The controversy behind an unforgettable Hawaii experience
Report by SFGATE on the controversies surrounding swimming with manta rays in Hawaii.
Utah man dies on Hawaii snorkel tour, police investigate possible drowning
Big Island Now reports on a possible drowning after a man from Utah joined a snorkel tour in Hawaii.
German visitor dead after apparent drowning incident on Hawaii Island
Report by “Hawaii News Now” about a German visitor who drowned off Hokulia Bay in Kailua-Kona at the end of 2023.
Debate over manta ray tours continues
News article in the Hawaii Tribune Herald about the debate around new regulations for manta ray tours.
Big Island manta ray tour operators mixed about proposed rules, possible new law
Article on Big Island Now with interviews of multiple manta ray tour business owners
In 24 hours, two dead from ocean-related events on Big Island
Report by Island News after two people died in two (unrelated) ocean events off the shores on the West side.
5 injured when boat heading to manta ray dive runs aground off Hawaii Island
Report by Hawaii News Now about an accident with a manta ray tour boat at Honokohau Harbor
Police investigating possible drowning at Hōnaunau boat ramp
Hawai’i Island police are investigating a possible drowning at Hōnaunau Boat Ramp
Manta ray tours popularity prompts regulation
Report by on khon2.com stressing the need for enforceable legislation for manta ray tour operators
Manta ray snorkeling off Big Island to see new rules in place to address safety
KITV4 report on new rules being created for manta ray viewing off Hawaii Island
Additional community input ahead for proposed manta viewing rules
Post on DLNR website announcing upcoming meeting to discuss proposed regulations of manta ray tourism
Young manta ray dies after anchor line entanglement
News article on khon2.com about the death of Blushing Ray in Oahu. First published September 5th, 2022.
Calls for more protection grow after beloved manta ray dies on Oahu’s North Shore
News segment on Hawaii News Now about the death of Blushing Ray in Oahu.
Community mourns loss of tour crew operator as investigation on cause continues
Article on Big Island Now about the tragic death of manta tour crew member Theresa Butts
Authorities investigate death of Big Island tour boat crew member
Article on Honolulu Civil Beat about the tragic death of manta tour crew member Theresa Butts.
Fatal boating accident brings safety concerns to surface
News segment on khon2.com concerning the tragic death of snorkeling crew member Theresa (Reesa) Butts. First published April 5th, 2022.
Profit Over Safety: Ecotourism Gone Wrong?
Article on Seven Seas Media about the safety issues and proposed regulations for manta ray tourism.
2nd manta ray in less than a month has been found injured off Kona
Ralph Ray found with nearly torn off cephalic fin near Garden Eel Cove