Whatever
Happened...

An update on past news

Maui dolphin show ban
faces uncertain future

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By Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin..com

Question: What ever happened to the proposed ordinance that would prohibit captive dolphins from being on public display in Maui County?

Answer: The bill seemed poised for passage with at least three County Council members ready to vote to report it out of the Human Concerns and Economic Development Committee last fall. But it was held pending a review by Maui County Corporation Counsel James Takayesu.

Councilwoman Jo Anne Johnson, who introduced the bill, hoped the measure would halt the Dolphin Institute's plan to relocate its Kewalo Basin facility to the proposed Maui Nui Park in Kihei being developed by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

Takayesu said this week that after extensive review, he believes the proposed ordinance would be unenforceable.

He said the Marine Mammal Protection Act allows people to have captive dolphins for public display if they have a proper federal permit.

"We feel it would be pre-empted by federal law," he said.

Committee members will have to decide whether to accept Takayesu's advice.

Meanwhile, there have been reports of the Dolphin Institute possibly moving to Ko Olina on Oahu, rather than Maui. Officials with the Dolphin Institute, Ko Olina and the Weinberg Foundation were unavailable for comment.

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