09-30-2012, 02:23 AM
Stand up or sit down, they are called Personal Water Craft (PWC). Their use is highly regulated and only in very limited permitted areas. There is now a requirement to pass certification courses. The Hilo bay permitted area is out by the breakwater. As you can see from the links, enforcement is by DLNR and they have been known to confiscate vehicles in violation.
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor/bor_pwcs.htm
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor/images/hilobayPWCzone.jpg
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor/bor_pwcs.htm
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor/images/hilobayPWCzone.jpg
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*