Like New York’s current debate surrounding boogie boards, there are no definitive rules yet, but the discussion is heating up. Safe Surf Hawaii, “a website dedicated to safe and fair sharing of Hawaii’s surfzone resources,” is calling on the public to accept an invitation by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources to comment on and otherwise address proposals to regulate the use of stand up paddleboards in designated “surfzones.” They’ve apparently come to the conclusion that the only way to deal with the problems presented by SUPs is through rules and regulations. I suppose there is also karma.
Safe Surf Hawaii has proposed a Safe Surfzones pilot project that effectively prohibits the use of SUPs between Ala Moana Harbor and Kewalo Basin Harbor during three time periods — 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Safe Surf Hawaii identifies safety and “wavehogging” problems as the reasons for the initiative: “Hawaii’s surfzones and the waves they produce must be shared safely and fairly. Sensible DLNR rules will ensure that these precious public resources are protected and preserved for all waveriders.” They go on to specify that “safe and courteous SUP users are not the problem.”
According to Safe Surf Hawaii, even though surfers tend to outnumber SUP users three to one at most surf spots, SUP users tend to take upwards of 75% of the good waves. And forget paddle battles. Unless your arms are cartoonish-ly strong and look like Popeye’s, you’re either getting snaked or taking a small boat to the dome.
Less flack-a and more shaka, braddah.
For more information, check out SafeSurfHawaii.com. Have an opinion you want to share? In Honolulu? The meeting takes place on August 27 at 5:30 p.m. It will be held at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.
