2016-09517. Safety Zone; Pacific Ocean, North Shore Oahu, HI-Recovery Operations

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Temporary final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for the navigable waters of the North Shore of Oahu approximately 2.5NM North West of Hale'iwa small boat harbor. The safety zone will encompass all waters extending one nautical mile in all directions around the location of ongoing salvage operations, as described below. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with ongoing operations to salvage the remains of two downed helicopters in this area. A temporary safety zone was previously enforced in the same area from March 4, 2016 through April 01, 2016 to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from the potential hazards associated with these salvage operations. A new temporary safety zone in the area is necessary to complete recovery of the debris from the helicopters. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Honolulu or his designated representative.

DATES:

This rule is effective without actual notice from April 25, 2016 through 3:00 p.m. (HST) on April 29, 2016. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from 3:00 p.m. (HST) on April 1, 2016 until April 25, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov,, type USCG-2016-0272 in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions concerning this rule, call or email Lieutenant Commander Nicolas Jarboe, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu at [phone] or [e-mail], respectively.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

DHS Department of Homeland Security

FR Federal Register

NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

§ Section

U.S.C. United States Code

COTP Captain of the Port

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

On January 15, 2016, the Coast Guard was informed of a helicopter crash off the North Shore of Oahu between Ka'Ena Point and Kahuku Point. The COTP Honolulu determined that potential hazards associated with the salvage efforts constitute a safety concern for anyone within the designated safety zone. This rule is necessary to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment within the navigable waters of the safety zone while salvage operations remain on-going.

The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to the authority under section 4(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those procedures are “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule. An NPRM is impracticable because Sector Honolulu was notified on March 29, 2016 of the need for ongoing salvage operations in response to the mishap. Thus, delaying the effective date of this rule to wait for a comment period to run would be impracticable because it would inhibit the Coast Guard's ability to protect the public and vessels from the hazards associated with the on-going salvage operations.

We are issuing this rule, and under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making this temporary rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. For the same reasons discussed in the preceding paragraph, waiting for a 30 day notice period to run would be impracticable.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231. On January 15, 2016, the Coast Guard was informed of a helicopter crash off the North Shore of Oahu between Ka'Ena Point and Kahuku Point. The COTP Honolulu determined that potential hazards associated with the salvage efforts constitute a safety concern for anyone within the designated safety zone. This rule is necessary to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment within the navigable waters of the safety zone while salvage operations remain on-going.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

This rule establishes a safety zone from 3:00 p.m. (HST) on April 1, 2016 through 3:00 p.m. (HST) on April 29, 2016, or until the salvage operations are complete, whichever is earlier. If the safety zone is terminated prior to April 29, 2016, the Coast Guard will provide notice via a broadcast notice to mariners. The safety zone is located within the COTP zone (See 33 CFR 3.70-10) and will encompass all waters extending one nautical mile in all directions around the location of the salvage operations being conducted in location 21°38′01″ N., 158°07′54″ W. This zone extends from the surface of the water to the ocean floor and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in these navigable waters from potential hazards associated with the salvage operations of two downed helicopters in this area. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone absent the express authorization of the COTP or his designated representative.

V. Regulatory Analyses

We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive order related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders, and we discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This rule has not been designated a “significant regulatory action,” under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, it has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.

We conclude that this rule is not a significant regulatory action because we anticipate that it will have minimal impact on the economy, will not interfere with other agencies, will not adversely alter the budget of any grant or loan recipients, and will not raise any novel legal or policy issues. The safety zone created by this rule will be relatively small and vessels can safely navigate around it. Under certain conditions, moreover, vessels may still transit through the safety zone when permitted by the Captain of the Port.

B. Impact on Small Entities

The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term “small entities” comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

This rule will not call for a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 13132.

Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If you believe this rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

F. Environment

We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves a safety zone with a duration of twenty eight days or until the salvage operations are complete. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction.

G. Protest Activities

The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places or vessels.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

• Harbors
• Marine safety
• Navigation (water)
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Security measures
• Waterways

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

2. Add § 165.T14-1035 to read as follows:

§ 165.T14-1035

Safety Zone; Pacific Ocean, North Shore Oahu, HI—Recovery Operations.

(a) Location. The safety zone is located within the COTP zone (See 33 CFR 3.70-10) and will encompass all waters extending one nautical mile in all directions around the location of the salvage operations being conducted in location 21°38′01″ N., 158°07′54″ W. This zone extends from the surface of the water to the ocean floor.

(b) Enforcement period. This regulation will be enforced from 3:00 p.m. (HST) on April 1, 2016 through 3:00 p.m. (HST) on April 29, 2016, or until the salvage operations are complete, whichever is earlier. If the safety zone is terminated prior 3:00 p.m. (HST) on April 29, 2016, the Coast Guard will provide notice via a broadcast notice to mariners.

(c) Regulations. The general regulations governing safety zones contained in § 165.20 apply to the safety zone created by this temporary section.

(1) All persons are required to comply with the general regulations governing safety zones found in this part.

(2) Entry into or remaining in this zone is prohibited unless expressly authorized by the COTP or his designated representative.

(3) Persons desiring to transit the safety zone identified in paragraph (a) of this section may contact the COTP at the Command Center telephone number [phone] and [phone], fax [phone] or on VHF channel 16 (156.8 Mhz) to seek permission to transit the zone. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of the COTP or his designated representative and proceed at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course while in the zone.

(4) The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of the safety zone by Federal, State, and local agencies.

(d) Notice of enforcement. The COTP will cause notice of the enforcement of the safety zone described in this section to be made by verbal broadcasts and written notice to mariners and the general public.

(e) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative means any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer who has been authorized by the COTP to assist in enforcing the safety zone described in paragraph (a) of this section.

Dated: March 30, 2016.

S.N. Gilreath,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Honolulu.