Regulatory setting for very large floating platforms in Hawaii

This paper provides an overview of the regulatory regimes pertinent to operating very large floating platforms (VLFPs) in Hawaii. Coastal and offshore jurisdictions are defined and key county, state and federal authorities and responsibilities are described. Forty applicable state and federal laws are cited. Special consideration is given to marine management areas, state claims for extended jurisdiction, native Hawaiian entitlements, submerged lands, ocean leasing, water quality areas and the humpback whale national marine sanctuary. VLFPs in Hawaii probably will have to be deployed offshore, out of sight of scenic coastal viewplanes, to assure public acceptance. However, offshore positioning is coincident with a simpler regulatory regime (federal) and lowered regulatory uncertainty and risk. The unambiguous delimitation of the seaward extent of state jurisdiction may well be the paramount regulatory issue requiring resolution for deciding where to site a VLFP in Hawaii.