Being an OC native originally, it all depends IMO if he has paid for the "space" of property on his taxes already or not? No surprise every government is looking for money.
My parents live on a adjacent island (their deck stops at the seawall). I don't know why he doesn't just pay the $700.00. The homes on those islands are several million dollars each. He can certainly afford to pay. People do stupid stuff with their docks too. Nobody is cheaper than the rich, trust me.