2015-31885. Security Zone; Kailua Bay, Oahu, HI

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION:

Temporary final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone in support of a visit by very important persons (VIPs). The security zone begins on the navigable waters in Kailua Bay on the west side of a line connecting Kapoho Point and continuing at a bearing of 227° (true) as well as the nearby channel from its entrance near Kapoho Point to a point along the channel 150 yards to the south of the N. Kalaheo Avenue Road Bridge. This security zone is necessary to ensure the safety of the VIPs.

DATES:

This rule is effective from 6:00 a.m. (HST) on December 18, 2015, through 10:00 p.m. (HST) on January 3, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket USCG-2015-1030. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2015-1030 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 on this rule, call or email Lieutenant Commander Nicolas Jarboe, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu; telephone [phone], email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

DHS Department of Homeland Security

E.O. Executive order

FR Federal Register

NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

TFR Temporary final rule

Pub. L. Public Law

§ Section

U.S.C. United States Code

VIP Very Important Person

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary final rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to 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 those procedures are “impractical, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. The details of the VIPs' travel to Hawaii were not made available to the Coast Guard in sufficient time to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking. Due to the need for immediate action, the restriction of vessel traffic is necessary to protect the VIPs; therefore, a 30-day notice period is impracticable. Delaying the effective date would be contrary to the security zone's intended objectives of protecting the VIPs, mitigating potential terroristic acts, enhancing public and maritime safety and security. Publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and delaying the effective date would be contrary to the public interest since the occasion would occur before a notice-and-comment rulemaking could be completed, thereby jeopardizing the safety of the VIPs. The COTP finds that this temporary security zone must be effective by December 18, 2015 to ensure the safety of the VIPs during their visit to the Kailua Bay area on the eastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The Coast Guard received the official request on November 1, 2015.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under the authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231. From December 18, 2015 through January 3, 2016, VIPs of the United States of America plans to visit the Kailua Bay area on Oahu, Hawaii. The security zone begins on the navigable waters in Kailua Bay on the west side of a line connecting Kapoho Point and continuing at a bearing of 227° (true) as well as the nearby channel from its entrance near Kapoho Point to a point along the channel 150 yards to the south of the N. Kalaheo Avenue Road Bridge. The Captain of the Port of Honolulu (COTP) has determined that there is reasonable potential for terroristic acts associated with the VIPs visit to the Kailua Bay area, and that a security zone is necessary to ensure their safety.

IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Rule

This temporary final rule establishes a security zone from 6:00 a.m. (HST) on December 18, 2015, through 10:00 p.m. (HST) on January 03, 2016. The security zone area is located within the COTP Zone (See 33 CFR 3.70-10) and covers all U.S. navigable waters in the Kailua Bay on the west side of a line connecting Kapoho Point and continuing at a bearing of 227° (true) to 21°25′11″ N., 157°44′39″ W.; as well as the nearby channel from its entrance near Kapoho Point to a point along the channel 150 yards to the south of the N. Kalaheo Avenue Road Bridge. This zone extends from the surface of the water to the ocean floor. This zone will include the navigable waters of the channel beginning at a point 21°25′04″ N., 157°44′54″ W., then extending to 21°25′27″ N., 157°44′21″ W. (Kapoho Point) including all the waters to the west of a straight line to 21°25′11″ N., 157°44′39″ W., and the extending back to the original point 21°25′04″ N., 157°44′54″ W.

One (1) yellow buoy and two (2) shore-side markers will be placed in proximity of the security zone along the security zone boundary and one (1) orange boom will be placed at the channel boundary south of the N. Kalaheo Avenue Road Bridge as visual aids for mariners and public to approximate the zone. An illustration of the security zone will be made available on www.regulations.gov in docket for this rulemaking, USCG-2015-1030. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the security zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.

V. Regulatory Analyses

We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders (E.O.s) related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on these statutes and executive orders.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

E.O.s 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. E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. The Coast Guard expects the economical impact of this rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under the regulatory policies and procedures of DHS is unnecessary. This expectation is based on the limited duration of the zone, the limited geographic area affected by it, and the lack of commercial vessel traffic affected by the zone. This rule has not been designated a “significant regulatory action,” under E.O. 12866. Accordingly, it has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.

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 security zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any vessel owner or operator.

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 E.O. 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 E.O. 13132.

Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under E.O. 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. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination are available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.

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.T14-1030 to read as follows:

§ 165.T14-1030

Security Zone; Kailua Bay, Oahu, HI.

(a) Location. The security zone area is located within the Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone (See 33 CFR 3.70-10) and covers all U.S. navigable waters in the Kailua Bay on the west side of a line connecting Kapoho Point and continuing at a bearing of 227° (true) to 21°25′11″ N., 157°44′39″ W.; as well as the nearby channel from its entrance near Kapoho Point to a point along the channel 150 yards to the south of the N. Kalaheo Avenue Road Bridge. This zone extends from the surface of the water to the ocean floor. This zone will include the navigable waters of the channel beginning at a point 21°24′56″ N., 157°44′58″ W., then extending to 21°25′27″ N., 157°44′21″ W. (Kapoho Point) including all the waters to the west of a straight line to 21°25′11″ N., 157°44′39″ W., and extending back to the original point 21°24′56″ N., 157°44′58″ W.

(b) Effective period. 6:00 a.m. (HST) on December 18 2015, through 10:00 p.m. (HST) on January 3, 2016.

(c) Regulations. The general regulations governing security zones contained in § 165.33 of subpart D of this part apply to the security zone created by this temporary regulations.

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

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

(3) Persons desiring to transit the security zones 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 zones. 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 security zone by Federal, State, and local agencies.

(d) Notice of enforcement. The COTP will cause notice of the enforcement of the security 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 security zones described in paragraph (a) of this section.

Dated: November 30, 2015.

S.N. Gilreath,

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