According to the department’s Ilebrang Olkeriil, the 7th Koror State Legislature passed a measure enacted on Sept. 19, 2003, imposing a ban on 2-stroke engine personal watercraft within state’s territorial waters. Under the law, the ban should have been implemented starting on Jan. 1, 2006.
“At the time, there were people who, unaware of the measure, purchased 2-stroke engine watercraft,” Olkeriil said, “and for our office to have imposed the ban then would not have been prudent.”Personal watercraft is not cheap, he said, adding that their office had to give the people ample time to gain knowledge and understanding of the law.Public awareness, he added, will allow for a mutual cooperation toward the implementation of the law, which aims to limit the amount of detrimental engine emissions from getting into the water.According to Olkeriil, pursuant to the law, owners will not be able to register their 2-stroke personal watercraft with their department next year.“Our office will accept registration of four-stroke engine personal watercraft only,” he said.For more information, call 680-488-4001, 680-488-2150 or e-mail [email protected].
