Thrill craft owners
may be tested,
held liable

A panel says Hawaii should
become the first state to require
a water-skills test for Jet Skis
and similar craft

By Susan Kreifels

Star-Bulletin

Hawaii could become the first state to require a water-skills test for all owner-operators of thrill craft for recreational purposes.

A government-appointed committee recommended to the Board of Land and Natural Resources today that personal owner-operators pass written and water-skills tests to register thrill craft in the state.

Jewell Tuitele, chairperson of the Thrill Craft Advisory Committee, said Hawaii would be the first state to require a water-skills test in addition to the written test.

Those using thrill craft to tow surfers to waves of 12 feet or higher would be required to pass an additional water-skills test. Certified owner-operators would be expected to make sure anyone using their thrill craft is properly trained on safety, operations, and water etiquette.

They would be held liable for any damages or injuries involving their craft, whether they are operating it or not.

"We're going to put the onus on the owner of the craft," said David Parsons, committee project manager. "He will be the person suffering any consequences."

The state would develop the tests and train instructors, who will then be available to certify the public for a nominal fee.

The procedure would be modeled after low-cost American Red Cross certifications.

The committee was appointed in response to a state Senate resolution.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources will decide whether to send the recommendations to the Legislature.

Parsons said the committee hopes testing could start by January 2001.

He said there are 1,090 registered recreational thrill craft in the state and that number grows by about 20 every month.

In fiscal 1998, 75 percent of all calls connected to water activity and received by the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation concerned thrill craft.