THE start of a new year always seems to be a good time for me to look back at the past 52 weeks of Water Ways columns and then try to predict which topics will have relevancy in the coming 12 months.

There is little doubt that Hawaii's recreational boating facilities will be a never-ending topic of discussion. Particularly as long as the Department of Land and Natural Resources and its Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation operate them directly.

It's not that such a bureaucratic operation is all bad, but there will always be more controversy when decisions are most often made for political reasons rather than on the basis of good business practices. The on-going replacement of docks in the Ala Wai Boat Harbor for more than 200 boats offers an example of such decision-making.

The state has made no attempt to bring its slip rental fees—currently an absurdly low $5.25 per foot per month—to a level that is commensurate with the increased quality, safety and convenience those new docks provide.

When the nearby, privately-run Waikiki Yacht Club replaced its dock system several years ago, it raised its slip rates to between $8 and $10 a foot, and yet it continues to have a waiting list that measures in years, showing the public's demand was unaffected by the increase.

Another carry-over topic from 2008 that also involves the DOBOR is sure to be the outcome of its “;Request for Qualifications and Proposals”; for the Ala Wai Harbor's boatyard and fuel dock leases. Both operations are critically important to both resident and visiting boaters.

The most recent operators of the boatyard, doing business as Ala Wai Marine, were told to cease all business activity as of Wednesday, according to DOBOR administrator Ed Underwood. However, as late as 3 p.m. that day, there were still eight boats hauled out and absolutely no sign of a business shutdown.

While it may be likely a majority of Water Ways columns were reports on the DOBOR's actions, or lack of them last year, still there were a number of annual events that effect boaters that I'm sure will surface here again in 2009.

After all, when up to 10,000 humpback whales, some weighing as much as 45 tons, migrate into our offshore waters from December through March, it is something boaters need to know about and operate their vessels accordingly.

Hawaii's hurricane season, from June through November, is another yearly event boaters must take steps to prepare for, and is one that will certainly be reported on here. The public can't always depend on government in mass disaster scenarios, as we were reminded during the recent power outage, so it's often left to the individual to protect his or her property.

Finally, I can assure you there will be future Water Ways columns devoted to most of Hawaii's sailing and fishing contests as in the past, and especially further reports on my personal favorite: The Hawaii and Waikiki yacht clubs' annual keiki fishing tournament in February.

I wish you all a Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!