Radio Bay, Hilo, Hawaii - Possible Changes Ahead

Created by sue. Last modified on 2011-05-16 13:06:08
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Countries: Hawaii

Update Published 11 May, 2011

Radio Bay is still open to cruising yachts as of May 2011. The anchorage and seawall are inside the port security area, so crew must be escorted to and from the boats, but the security escorts are available 24/7.
Don & Katie Radcliffe
SV Klondike (Santa Cruz, Calif.)

Original Report Published 6 July, 2009

Due to Homeland Security Regulations Radio Bay will be closed soon. I am a local sailor who has sat in a meeting with the head of security for the port. He says the cost to secure the area of Radio Bay to meet Homeland Security Regs would be more than the State is willing to pay, thus they must close it.

At this time (July 2009) transient yachts are allowed to berth in Radio Bay. There is room for 5 or 6 med-moor style berths at the seawall and anchoring in good holding ground for 5 to 6 others.

The state is currently contemplating their options for the future. It seems that they used the closing argument as a means of removing 3 or 4 yachts that had been there for the last 2 to 3 years claiming rudder damage and the inability to repair due to financial insolvency. They were actually working here and living aboard or using the Bay as a long term anchorage while living here in private homes. This type of behavior destroys relations for sailors around the planet and is unfortunately something we all have to put up with.

At the end of July 2009 the state should have a better idea as to their ability to construct fences to meet security requirements. I shall continue to monitor this situation and keep you informed as to any changes as they occur.

Thank you for your service to the sailing community and to Jim for his wonderful books and articles.

John Myles
s/v Makani Kai