On mine, they are listed as 240mm, or about 9". I believe they just drape over the top of the airbox. As to whether you can just forget them, for many years I rode mine without them only because I didn't know they were supposed to be there. Only after looking at a manual and parts list did I realize otherwise. I don't recall any issues not having them.
I guess I should add that Honda rarely wasted time/money on anything non-essential so I had to assume they had a reason for installing them. The only one that comes to mind is carrying vented fuel fumes to a safer location away from heat or other sources of possible ignition.