The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard will be monitoring boating safety in Kaneohe Bay over the Labor Day weekend.

Officers will be enforcing regulations such as safety equipment requirements, zone violations and boating under the influence.
DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation also will staff an education and safety information booth at the Heeia Kea Small Boat Harbor. Boating staff will provide information on boating rules in the bay, and provide loaner vests for keiki and whistles to boaters who need a sound device to legally operate on State waters. On Sunday and Monday, staff will be available to re-register vessels, provide replacement registration cards and issue ramp stickers.
As part of its ocean safety push for the holiday weekend, the Coast Guard is urging all boaters to:
— Always wear a life jacket.
— Avoid drinking. According to Coast Guard statistics, victims fell overboard or capsized their boat in more than half of the boating deaths involving alcohol.
— File a float plan. Let a loved one or friend know where you are going, when you are going to be back, and what kind of vessel you have. That person can call the Coast Guard if you don't return on time.
— Be aware of weather and water conditions.
— Never boat or paddle alone.
—Be cautious. Do not exceed your ability to handle your vessel.
— Be constantly aware of other vessels in the immediate area.
The Coast Guard also encourages coastal and off-shore recreational boaters as well as sea kayakers to carry a VHF marine radio —either a fixed system or handheld unit — and be familiar with its operation and radio procedures.