Lava Boat Operator Turpin fined $15,000

[DTisme]

And the thing is, tourists have no idea that they are being taken too close. They think it's a controlled environment, like Disneyland -- that it's done hundreds of times, done routinely every day. Then there was that fool who took groups of tourists out there while red-hot lava was right below their feet. It's shameful.

[loffelkopffl]

there is an agreement between LOT and the coast guard on the distance they can be at, and of course LOT is fully insured

[Bullwinkle]

I have dealt with the Hawaii state dept that regulates commercial permits, as a consultant, permits and ran the other way ....its a mess that seems to cater to those wheeling and dealing in permits. A typical unprofessional old boys network imho.

In my interactions they were utterly clueless. Captain Turpin is smart to pay the fine and move on, no need to engage (or enrage) the tar babies.

One needs to remember that the passenger boat biz is the most regulated business one can in engage in....the feds, state and local cities each having oversight and a hand in the till.

As to safety of the tours ....arm chair pundits can grouse ....but if indeed he were violating safety rules the Marine safety office of the Coast Guard would be on him like ugly on an ape.

[kalakoa]

a mess that seems to cater to those wheeling and dealing in permits

Best description of Hawaii government, ever.

[Mac2017]

Forgive me Mr. BULLWINKLE, but what is a tar baby

[Kapoho Joe]

quote:

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Originally posted by glinda

quote:

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Originally posted by Bullwinkle

As to safety of the tours ....arm chair pundits can grouse ....but if indeed he were violating safety rules the Marine safety office of the Coast Guard would be on him like ugly on an ape.

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Have you personally visited the ocean entry area and seen what goes on? As far as I can tell from many visits safety is none of Shane's concern and the only reason he has not lost his license is because those entrusted to uphold the rules aren't visiting the area either.

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Specifics?

[Chunkster]

The last time this topic was in the news, I believe a 1000 foot distance from the lava entry was established as the closest allowable legal approach. What I don't remember is which agency was responsible for enforcement. If it was the state or county, one can assume that enforcement would be the usual "complaint driven" process with no regular monitoring or policing. Even the Coast Guard is not likely to routinely or consistently check on this, but I could be wrong. I've been wrong before.

Having said all that, I believe in informed consent. If Shane Turpin's customers are clearly told that there is a risk of injury or death, then they should be able to get as close as they dare. Insurance helps, but many survivors and heirs would sue anyway.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

I believe a 1000 foot distance from the lava entry was established as the closest allowable legal approach.

Is this distance measured across the open ocean by the same county, state, or federal officials who determine the height of helicopters (in the air) as they fly across Puna subdivisions?

[Palanakonu]

quote:

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Originally posted by Mac2017

Forgive me Mr. BULLWINKLE, but what is a tar baby

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Where I'm from it refers to any person or situation that no matter what you do they won't go away or there is no way out.
Like a very stick situation... or internet trolls.
Came from a children's' book I believe.

Of course, being from Kentucky we also have another definition in certain circles.

[kalakoa]

county, state, or federal officials who determine the height of helicopters (in the air)

They definitely use the same measurement system. I think it's called "not my kuleana".