Posted on: Friday, June 10, 2005

Kayaking permit set for another board vote

By Will Hoover
Advertiser Leeward O'ahu Writer

A commercial kayaking operation on Makua Bay, on the Wai'anae Coast, can keep its permit for now, although it is set to expire at the end of this month.

The decision came following a packed, protracted and frequently passionate meeting yesterday before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.

The special temporary permit was issued last July to Makua Lani — a kayaking and snorkeling concern that markets to Japanese tourists — in a first-of-its-kind effort to allow land-based commercial activities on the remote, western section of O'ahu. Presently, tour boats are allowed to operate in the area, but they must launch from boat harbors.

Under the permit, Makua Lani was allowed to operate more than a dozen kayaks capable of holding two or three paddlers off Makua Bay on weekdays.

At the time the permit was issued, the Wai'anae community appeared to favor the idea because it was thought Makua Lani would bring needed jobs to O'ahu's economically depressed western coast, which has the largest Hawaiian population in the state.

However, the state held the hearing yesterday after residents complained that the kayaks hurt fishing and disturbed the area.

Richard Holland, executive director of Makua Lani, countered that his operation has employed around 20 local residents, boosted the area's economy and increased cultural awareness.

He said his kayaks constitute a low impact on the area compared with the numerous commercial boating tours that are already allowed to operate in the area.

By the time the board got around to voting on a recommendation to not issue a new permit, one member had left the meeting. With five members at the table, the recommendation needed four yes votes to pass. It failed by a 3-2 vote.

Board chairman Peter Young said the recommendation to not issue a new permit would be added to the agenda of a public hearing scheduled in two weeks.

"And we'll go through the whole thing again," said Young, who reminded everyone present that the temporary permit would expire at the end of the month no matter what.

Makua Lani isn't finished yet.

"The board could vote in two weeks to issue a new permit," Young said.