Six months ago Hawaii's boating enthusiasts, for the first time ever, were offered mooring facilities that rival the best to be found anywhere in the world.

West Oahu's Ko Olina Marina opened as a key ingredient of the Ko Olina Resort, which includes the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, and the 18-hole, Ted Robinson-designed championship golf course.

Given the generally decrepit conditions of our state-run marinas, with their long waiting lists, I wasn't surprised to learn recently that Ko Olina has already leased over half of its currently available dock space.

"We are ahead of schedule," said Ko Olina partner Kevin Showe. "We have leases on over 50 percent of our 270 slips."

Although the 43-acre, state-of-the-art marina can berth vessels from 30 feet to 150 feet, it has been the midsize and larger slips that have gone the quickest.

"All but one of our 18 60-foot slips are occupied," Showe said. "And nearly all of our end-tie slips that can accommodate vessels 80 feet and larger are taken."

Because so much interest has been exhibited by owners of vessels of that size, Ko Olina now has designs underway for additional large berths.

"Our plans for the marina's Phase II features side-ties for 'mega-yachts' and 'dock-aminiums'," Showe added.

As the numbers of boat owners calling Ko Olina their home port has increased, plans for forming its first yacht club have begun to solidify.

A Ko Olina Yacht Club board of governors has been selected that includes: Commodore Kevin Showe, Vice Commodore Archie Shelton, Rear Commodore Bill Riddle, Treasurer Nancy Maeda, Secretary Carrie Showe, and Directors Fred Anawati, John Baldwin and Mike Nelson.

KOYC general and social memberships will be made available beginning January 1, 2001, and currently, 20 slips are being held aside for the yacht club and marina guests.

In the near future, a KOYC clubhouse will be constructed featuring a restaurant and a bar, as well as a swimming pool and fitness center.

Unlike our state-run marinas, Ko Olina seems to be constantly looking for ways to improve its list of creature-comforts.

It has recently added shower facilities to its already impressive list of amenities that include floating concrete docks by Bellingham Marine, dock boxes, fresh water, electricity, telephone and cable television service at each boat slip, gas barbecue and picnic areas, and coin-operated laundry facilities.

And, whether boat owners staying at the Ko Olina Marina are leasing or just visiting, they can always depend on full service at a fuel dock that includes one of Hawaii's few holding tank pump-out stations. Fast food is also available at the adjacent Ko Olina Oasis Marina Store and Deli.

For those who do visit the marina by boat, golf cart rentals are now available for getting around the entire resort. Their boat's security is maintained with a 24-hour gated entry.

Considering the state is threatening boat owners in the Ala Wai harbor with a rental increase approximately equivalent to Ko Olina's rates, now might be the perfect time for those with boats in the 30- to 40-foot range to look into moving out west to Ko Olina Marina, before it's filled.

For the latest information on the Ko Olina Marina and its upcoming events, give them a call at 679-1050, or visit the Ko Olina Resort web site.