The honu has recovered from the brink of extinction, prompting some to ask if it's time to give Native Hawaiians the right to resume traditional harvesting.
A new two-year research project found the balls not only were ineffective, they might make water quality worse. Supporters of the effort don't believe it.
Ship passengers will soon to start paying the same visitor tax as hotel guests to help cover the conservation fee — unless the cruise lines can stop it in court.