I was just concerned with why these races in Oahu are being cancelled. Is this due solely to paperwork issues i.e permits and such? Or is this a new trend of the bureaucracy running things over there, and are any other islands being affected in this manner? If so, do we need to mobilize the paddling community to try to stop this from spreading across the State or is this just another example of how government, no matter what the people think or say, will continue to ignore the will of the taxpayers. If these types of things continue to happen, I fear our State sport and the places we paddle will slowly fade away. Any thoughts and information? I'd love to hear them.
Submitted by fluidpaddler on Wed, 02/24/2010 - 10:22am
Saw this on the news this morning. Hopefully something can be done.
DLNR wants to work on compromise with paddlers
#1 Wed, 02/24/2010 - 12:00pm
The canoe associations will meet with the DLNR in the next couple of weeks. We are just waiting for them to schedule. OHCRA, Hui Waa and ILH representives will be present. We discovered the new requirement while trying to pull permits for our 2010 season and will stay on top of it.
Kalani
#2 Wed, 02/24/2010 - 12:15pm
Here we go again: under the guise of "safety," the Fed's, through the USCG, and w/o any sensitivity to island traditions and culture, are bullying us around. Time to go after Obama, Inoye, Akaka, Abercrombie, and Hirono for get them to to tell the Coast Guard to bug off and mind their own business and patrol only the off shore waters. They are clearly intruding/tresspassing into local (State) jurisdiction and should be strongly reprimanded.
Remember annexation, martial law, and now this!!! The State should not be intimidated or put up with such bullying period by the Fed's. The safety of our kids should not be jeopardized, by having to paddle way offshore, so a bunch of complaining yachties can sip their coctails berthed in State built boat slips, which cost millions of dollars and paid for by student parents. Sorry, there can be no compromise on this, or else the Fed's will bully us more and more. T-party anyone?
#3 Wed, 02/24/2010 - 1:31pm
wow. that's great that they're doing that. wonder how many people complained?
wish the meeting was open to the public.
#4 Wed, 02/24/2010 - 1:36pm
Typical MO (modus operandi) of certain delegated leaders. If you're the root of the problem and it gets out to the public and becomes out of control via media, blame someone else. Very common strategy that's still practiced everywhere. In regards to local channels and harbors, Coast Guard is not to blame. They got much bigger responsibilities like patrolling Federal and International waters, Homeland Security, etc...
If you become a navigable hazard in busy shipping channels (Honolulu Harbor/Ko Olina) then they may pop up. This is typical political diversion tactic, now DLNR would attempt to play the good guy role and become the solution by working with the paddlers!
All in all, paddlers equals a lot of votes and the end result should end fairly.
Carlton
#5 Wed, 02/24/2010 - 2:16pm
I say GO PUBLIC and RALLY UP ever ocean sea vessel ( O1, OC2, OC6, Kayak, StandUp, Laydown and what ever else we can gather ) make a huge statement on the water. Get the News reporters in and cover this story.
Start a convoy with every 6 man trailer, OC1 and OC2 car racks with ocean vessel on it that have signs that read
" The ocean is my Playground " or " Do not take the sea away from me " and drive on the H1 from Hawaii Kai to Nanakuli and back to Hawaii Kai. Get the public aware of what is going on and their support ( get the news to cover it as well ).
Like Braddah IZ says in one of songs " Ua mau ke ea o ka ?aina i ka pono o Hawaii "
#6 Wed, 02/24/2010 - 2:21pm
I think Fuzerider would be best for this type of negotiation or maybe Goto. Both are clear and to the point.
#7 Wed, 02/24/2010 - 6:16pm
Bamskii: You're right about the shibai "good guy" role the State is playing.
And Anykine: You mean have a floatilla of thousands of paddle craft in the water paddling around Magic Island and the Marina to blockade the Ala Wai Harbor on any given weekend?
Too much you paddlers - geeve um!!!!!
#8 Wed, 02/24/2010 - 6:56pm
Sounds good anykine. You set it up a place and time and I'll be there!
#9 Wed, 02/24/2010 - 10:44pm
You people are starting to sound like a bunch of right wing extremists like me . I want to take this time to welcome you all to the real world. Big Government ain
t your friend folks . If you want to remain a free people you had better learn how to vote smart. Obama and other socialists like him are a disaster !! even though he may have body surfed at Sandys once ,,, that doesnt qualify him to be dog catcher ,,,, not in my book...#10 Thu, 02/25/2010 - 11:19am
I realize my comment above is a little off topic but, this is one of those instances that really push my freedom loving button. Safety needs to be your own concern , How many freedoms are you people willing to lose in the name of your safety??? I
m not willing to lose any !! but thats just the way I am.I hope you people can win this battle and the next one too, which will most likely be your freedom to ride around in the back of pickup trucks the way you do.
Jesus !!!! last year , the coast guard called off the Mayors Cup race in New York City because a few boats hulied.
#11 Thu, 02/25/2010 - 12:01pm
Hey Fuzey, I'm not going to get political AND I hate being told what to do as much as the other guy...especially as it pertains to what I can and cannot do in the water. I don't ALWAYs blame it on big government...I rather blame it on our litigious society (and unscrupulous lawyers) where everyone wants to try to blame someone else for their own faults or inadequacies. If someone drowns at my shore town, the family will sue the town for inadequately protecting the public good. Stop the frivolous lawsuits! We are WAY more regulated here on the mainland...particularly in the east than you guys are in the islands (what I gather from my visits there anyway). I hope that you guys can band together and keep it that way..
#12 Thu, 02/25/2010 - 1:01pm
fuze..... i think your missing the point and i doubt obama and his admin have anything to do with this
its a local problem from by Local politicians and admin..... dont get this confused with a national thing
anykine: im down
#13 Thu, 02/25/2010 - 2:57pm
Thanks for the feedback. Give me sometime to plan this out.
#14 Thu, 02/25/2010 - 7:36pm
Hey! The Coast Guard is Obama's personal navy. He's their big honcho and had them patroling the Kawainui Canal and the beaches near his Hawaii White House during his stay. It is just unbelivable how the State (DLNR) was intimidated by the Coast Guard and just caved in to their request to ban a bunch of competitive high school kids from racing their canoes adjacent Magic Island without a public hearing. If the DLNR didn't follow protocall, then the ban is illegal!!! The parents and the ILH should take em to court.
#15 Thu, 02/25/2010 - 9:09pm
If Jim/Jon were able to get Magic Island finish approved, maybe USCG/DLNR realizing it's time for regroup, and work together, instead of stiff-arm. Who ever made effort to get us racing Sunday, this bud's for you.
#16 Thu, 02/25/2010 - 10:19pm
koacanoe said:
Ummm, the President is the Commander in Chief of the United States Armed Forces. So technically, I think the U.S. Navy would be more his "personal navy." Regardless, I think protective detail for the President is an entirely different issue than race permits.
Is the Army Corps of Engineers involved in any of the permit process? They tend to be heavily involved with maintaining waterways, harbors and things like that and might have some influence on the process. I'd also get in touch with the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation if they've dealt with access issues there. Probably some good experience to draw on from their ranks as well.
#17 Fri, 02/26/2010 - 9:01am
anowara: Heaven help the Navy if that happens. There are no Z-Grams to protect them anymore. My comment was based on the candidate's call for a "civilian national security force" before he became President. It fits right in now that the USCG in under Homeland Security after being transferred from the Transportation Dept. Before, when the USCG was under the Treasury, they wouldn't dream of bothering high school kids paddling outriggers.
#18 Fri, 02/26/2010 - 10:56am
I dont care about harbor channels, only body surfing sandys and pyramid rock.
#19 Fri, 02/26/2010 - 11:28am
This is not a political forum but a practical forum so Fuzerider shut the f*** about Obama etc!
I have run races on a Neighbor Island for 8 years and all of a sundden the Coast Guard wants to ask for permits. Well they are smart as they are asking. If they demanded the permits I'd organize a blockade with OC1's etc to get them to understand who funds their operation etc. They may be overstaffed and looking for something to do. Desiree at the CoastGuard seems reasonable in trying to work these things out. It is usually the Station commander who gets a hair up his okele wanting to show he has power. If these folks don't show reasonable flexibility they will see a lot of trouble. We haven't caused any problems I know of so what is their problem? Too much government in the wrong areas. My opinion.
#20 Fri, 02/26/2010 - 7:49pm
I must apologize to everyone, I did not read the entire thread before I posted my previous post.
That said, I forgot to add: ButtFuzzrider, fuck off. I thought you had learned not to get involved with any type of topic about paddling in Hawai`i.
#21 Fri, 02/26/2010 - 8:04pm
There were 200 plus paddlers at the Coast Guard race fundraiser this year. If everyone boy cotts that race next year that will send a message. if they want our support, they need to wake up and realize this is our state sport and we will continue to fight for our right to enjoy our cultural sport an freedom to enjoy the ocean.
#22 Fri, 02/26/2010 - 11:36pm
Koacanoe and me , Fuzerider , are seeing this situation clearly. Funny to me how paddlefast doesn
t connect the relationship between politics and government . If the functioning of government isnt political then ,,, what is ??Here`s the bottom line once again :
Shrink government and remain more or less a free people .
Continue to let government grow and eventually you will become slaves to entitlements and the tyranny of poverty.
Ronald Reagan used to speak in this way to the entire world. I know that you have seen him do it on Youtube.
#23 Sat, 02/27/2010 - 2:10am
Perhaps judgement on the USCG should be reserved until we know exactly what is going on.
The USCG is a group of individuals who will do anything, including die, to rescue anyone, who is in trouble. They won't ask you if you are a republican or a democrat, local or transplant, they will just save your sorry ass.
The USCG fundraiser race is a memorial race. The money goes to the USCG foundation, which supports the families of USCG members who 'cross the bar' during duty. It has nothing to do with USCG operations or local politics. What sort of message do you think you will be sending by boycotting that race?
#24 Sat, 02/27/2010 - 6:57am
Are we still sure that Oahu's is cancelled? Seems like we're now allowed to go into Magic tomorrow, so why not on March 13th? just wondering
#25 Sat, 02/27/2010 - 6:08pm
just read some bad news about the whole DLNR and Coast Guard permitting issue. thought i'd bump this to the top so people can be filled in on what's going on. i'll see if i can get Terry to CC us all the info about the latest proceedings with the availability of permits or lack thereof.
#26 Thu, 03/18/2010 - 6:34pm
Here is the email jc9_0 is talking about. Please everyone lets make a statement here, the future of our sport may depend on it.
Gang, I want all of you to please take the time to read the email below and the attached again. Understand, if this bill passes, it could effectively end our race series. I need you to FLOOD Senator Hee's office with emails.Permits are already being denied for other paddling events.
I rarely voice my political beliefs and views, however in this case, this bill will/does effect our association.
A hui hou,
Terry
----- Original Message -----
From: T. Galpin - Ocean Paddler TV
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2010 1:51 PM
Subject: Fw: Kokua - Paddling in Hawaii
Aloha gang, I wanted to forward the email below on to you..I think it is important.
Terry
From: smoikeha@gmail.com
Date: March 16, 2010 6:52:34 AM HST
To: moikeha@iname.com
Subject: Kokua
Reply-To: smoikeha@gmail.com
Recent events have given me no choice but to ask for your kokua to save our sport of outrigger canoe paddling. It is my intention to provide all the information so that each of you may communicate the necessary information to your respective clubs however as I compose this email, the political climate surrounding DLNR is in constant motion.
As George Waikoloa reported at our last council of clubs meeting, we were unable to get permits for races that started or concluded in a channel or harbor. In response to that notification, we asked for the rule to be provided to us in writting. It was not provided because it does not exist. Attempts to discuss and find a compromise or solution proved unsuccessful.
George and I decided to contact Senator Clayton Hee ( I have attached the email request for your information). senator Hee sent an aide to investigate. That investigation is what is ongoing and morphing into several political issues that effect our rights to be paddling in Hawaiian waters.
On March 11, several of the leadership teams from the different Canoe Paddling Associations met with representatives from DLNR, the Coast Guard, and senator Hee's office to discuss this situation in the hopes of coming to a compromise.
Certain concessions were discussed but nothing in writing was provided at that time. . Options included- shutting down the harbor which would cost $, and setting up buoys to designate a traffic flow.
One item of concern brought up by Senator Hee's aide was that currently testimony is being received regarding a bill that would permit the DLNR to allow the mooring of commercial boats at Ala Wai. How does this affect us? This would make the Ala Wai boat harbor a commercial facility and restrict recreational use of the channel leading to it.
If safety and congestion were so important and the guiding principle behind this enforcement of a coast guard suggestion, then why are we entertaining more congestion in the Ala Wai by making commercial slips available.
I feel that we have roughly connected the dots. By disallowing or making it less feasible for us to start or finish in the channel, we may voluntarily choose not to hold our race at that venue. That action our part would allow them the opportunity and resource to provide commercial boating slips due to reduced usage from us.
Some day this week, the Senate committee will be holding a hearing regarding this bill. I am asking that you prepare your testimonies in opposition to the passage of this bill. Attendance is encouraged but not necessary to submit your testimony. At this time, I do not have a specific date or time for this hearing. I will communicate that to you as soon as Senator Hee's Aide notifies me. I have also attached testimony that has already been received by this committee. You may read and familiarize yourself and your club members with the content. I encourage you to talk to your family and friends and to make a difference in this effort. Our voice will determine what our elected officials do on our behalf.
Thank you for all you do in our paddling community.
If you have any questions, please call me. 561-7931.
Samantha Moikeha
#27 Thu, 03/18/2010 - 9:08pm
Sometimes too much government. However our experience with the DLNR and Coast Guard(Desiree Roys- Marine Events Coordinator) has been terrific. They worked with us on short notice in some cases and were flexible and understanding of our changes in courses due to weather, safety, etc. The solution with regard to the problems on Oahu specificly, after trying to work things out unfortunately may be one of confrontation ("just do it" and blockades) as if they can't be reasonable no need that we have to be. They need to know it must work both ways as sometimes their rules and "authority" become a power trip for some of these government folks and they will only work things out when it gets ugly and their supervisors realize they can't lead effectively. They, especially the Coast Guard, can help by offering the assistance of a small patrol boat which gets their people out on the water working with and helping the community and earning respect. Its not that we are doing this on a daily basis- this an infrequent request for recreational purposes or intramural sports which should be their priority as well.
#28 Thu, 03/18/2010 - 9:44pm
Clayton Hee- Ma hea kou kupaa no makou kanaka hoe waa? He elele oe no OHA ma mua e hapai mau ana i na kuleana Hawaii a he kanaka olelo Hawaii kekahi. He kenekoa i keia manawa a he poina koke i kela mau kuleana. He minamina kou noho kenekoa ana. O keia kou wa e kupaa hou ai no ko Hawaii kanaka hoe waa.
#29 Fri, 03/19/2010 - 8:48am
fuzerider-
I agree, let's get Politics and Government Straight as it pertains to this issue.
The DLNR Director and Chairperson in Hawaii was appointed by our "Conservative", Republican Governor...
From the Honolulu Star Bulletin article (07/26/2007):
"Gov. Linda Lingle selected a longtime ally and daughter of a Republican state representative as the new director of the state Land and Natural Resources Department.
Laura H. Thielen, 46, is a former state school board member and was director of the Office of State Planning until her nomination to DLNR. As head of the department, Thielen will also serve as chairwoman of the seven-member Board of Land and Natural Resources, which handles land-use issues and permits."
Another interesting tidbit that came out of testimony regarding he DLNR's bill to allow commercial use of the Ala Wai: The DLNR is supposedly involved with a [Japanese]Wedding [Factory]Chapel going up right next to the Ala Wai harbor where the Ala Wai boat repair facility used to be. If this happens, the state will be leasing public land to a Church which won the site through a bid. Interesting separation of church and state issue to say the least.
#30 Mon, 03/22/2010 - 11:55am
Now wouldn't it be nice if some of the income derived from the former Ala Wai Marine property would go to supporting a canoe hale near by?
#31 Mon, 03/22/2010 - 12:09pm
KoaCanoe- that would be nice indeed, but money would likely go to the general fund - Hopefully to end furlough Fridays and other educational cuts.
Paddling can't compete with kids' educations.
#32 Mon, 03/22/2010 - 1:01pm
You're right novice c. That's why many of us parents arn't paddling because we got to work extra and on weekends for pay the $2000.00 + per month per child for go private school. And compared to some public schools like Kapolei, Pearl City, etc., the athletic facilities at many private schools are not as spacious. Furlough Fridays are a waste.
#33 Mon, 03/22/2010 - 1:32pm