Kandoo Island

Graf

Has anyone had any run ins with the Kandoo Island operation off Waikiki?
While paddling the triangle course off Waikiki yesterday I encountered the Kandoo Jet Ski platform in the direct line from DH Buoy to Ala Wai Buoy; there were jet ski course marker buoys spreading over a large distance around the “Island” barge. When I entered this area – paddling around would be a 100 yard jog towards the beach – I was immediately “advised” by a Kandoo employee on a jet ski that I was entering the jet ski course and that I might be hit by a jet ski.
In some disbelief that DLNR would allow this operation to have such a large water footprint I stopped at the jet ski platform to ask some questions. My questions were not received well by one of their employees who stated that they had a DLNR permit and that I had better not go grumbling; he followed this up with questions about where I was from and also felt the need to utter a few F…. Y… comments. Yes, he seemed very willing to make this into a physical confrontation.
I don’t have an issue with a new business venture starting up and in fact consider myself very pro-business. However, this operation is apparently going to take up an extremely large footprint in an already crowded water recreation area. We already dodge many obstacles when training off Waikiki. I don’t want another obstacle, especially one this size, taking up even more of our valuable ocean resource.
So back to my original question, anyone else had a run in with these guys?

Submitted by Graf on Tue, 08/18/2009 - 12:47pm

RatchetJaws

Where's Bamski......Carlton, the above post is for you. What gives???
JawsOut.

#1 Tue, 08/18/2009 - 1:48pm

H20LADY

i was wondering also how this business got approval . why and how does this happen without any community input. im sure it is a blight on the waikiki view. i swim out there a lot and im waiting for the day a jet ski comes whizzing by.i was under the impression that jet skis and para sails were not allowed in front of waikiki. guess im wrong. i guess the question is..where do we go from here..do we really want/need this activity center where it is now?

#2 Tue, 08/18/2009 - 2:47pm

KGB

Our experiences with Kandoo Island where with OC6 practice in the late afternoons. At Bill Bright's insistance we roared out there and found the place semi abandoned. No buoys, cocktail waitresses, etc. Semi ghost town. The times we saw them they where way the hell off shore, with no jet ski action. The jet ski boundaries sound pretty insane. Quite frankly, since you got me started, I hate fucking jet ski's. I go seriously way out of my way to avoid them. I don't trust any of the clowns that operate them. Novice, Intermediate, Pro, it doesn't matter (Ocean Safety gets an exception). My level of distaste is consistent. Kandoo Island is just more bullshit eco-tourism.

#3 Tue, 08/18/2009 - 2:49pm

Kona J

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/20090805_Coast_Guard_says_KanDoo_can_d…
"22 water activities"
Pretty Outrageous! I am sure more stories to come about this.
The comments are pretty funny too.
Is it right in the Way of the Molokai finish line/lane? If so I can guess about twice a year injuries will be a certainity.
http://gokandoo.com/default.aspx

#4 Tue, 08/18/2009 - 4:14pm

Graf

It should not present a problem for the Molokai races but could interfere with other races. Actually if they were to move the jet ski operation to the mauka side of the “island” barge it should move it out of the way of most events and training runs.
It does appear to have tentacles spreading out in all directions from the “island.” Several other operations are now in the area and appear to be part of or affiliated with Kandoo Island; it looks like they might be shuttling to and from the island creating more traffic in the area.

#5 Tue, 08/18/2009 - 4:27pm

poopoopaddler

Hmm locals are restless huh? Wow, I guess this goes to show how little I have been on the water but thats crazy that that thing is allowed out there. Well I guess if they have the permits there's not much we can do.
Graf, you are a brave brave person to have done what you did...

#6 Tue, 08/18/2009 - 5:09pm

jc9_0

i can't even imagine how the interaction will work when there are 25 to 30 high school boats out there for ILH races or practices 6 days a week. novice jet ski tourists mixing with high school paddlers sounds scary to me. then there are all the vessels that will be shuttling people back and forth from kewalo basin (every 20 minutes!!) and they are going to be there from 9am to 9pm every day? sounds insane.

#7 Tue, 08/18/2009 - 5:46pm

jbe

I personally am looking forward to a confrontation with them. I plan on paddling right through that area if it is in my path and make them come and get me. I don't really give a shit if they have a permit. My understanding is that there is a no wake zone in that area. Also, what about an environmental impact statement? Kandoo is bullshit and we don't need them in Waikiki. They should move their operation to an area that is less crowded and safer for everyone. This is just the beginning. If they act like assholes then we should treat them like such.

#8 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 7:14am

Kona J

I am thinking let's make it a win win.
Starting point for negotiations $30,000 each to the Na Wahine/MolokaiHoe//HVA =$90,000
And everything will be "Cool"

#9 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 8:18am

drkanupaddler

Let's not reinforce the "Hawaii is anti-business" mindset. The business is not the problem, just the placement of it....so where do people suggest they be located?

#10 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 8:26am

jc9_0

cancun.

#11 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 8:29am

poopoopaddler

right next to the shark feeding businesses

#12 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 8:38am

koacanoe

What kind permit they get? Maybe got to go downtown for look what they get or got approval for? They got to submit one operating plan and map of what they going to do, and plus evidence they get insurance for imdemnify the State in case get accident. I think so they overextending their boundaries and if they cockaroaching more water than approved, then more bettah let Thielen know asap.

#13 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 9:19am

jc9_0

where can you look into these things? downtown where. not that i got a ton of time to kill, but thinking about the upcoming high school season's got me worried now.

#14 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 9:21am

koacanoe

"Downtown" means wherever DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) Boating & Ocean Recreation Division office may be? They use to be Downtown Honolulu in the Melim Building on Queens St. years ago. Maybe they still there? But they should have on file the permit application and map of operations.
Years ago, jet ski vendors in Kaneohe Bay were abusing their priviledges, so the State cracked down on them (even had State legislators drive their own motor boats for observe their activities). Now they can only operate on weekdays and during certain hours (must stay within their zone), etc. So perhaps the same should be done in Waikiki with no jetski activity during weekends and only during the hours between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on weekdays only?

#15 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:03am

rachel

Waikiki waters were already crowded before these guys came in, gonna be worse now. I wonder why they don't anchor right outside of Kewalo since that is where they are shuttling people from? At least there they wouldn't be in the way of all the tourist sailboats and all the paddlers going to Diamond Head buoy or coming from Hawaii Kai.
Now that they are there though... what I really want to know is if they will let me paddle up and buy a beer. ;)

#16 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:41am

onnopaddle

Dang, sorry guys .. They are already cursing people out ?
Their Island Safety link not working ...
The STAFF might/can be safe but no way to police people once on the water unless you are riding WITH them.
I can tell you from on the job experience, You can grill rentalists about Jetski water safety, were to stay, what to beware of etc. etc, and they will still nail it right off the dock wthout looking anywhere but down.
Hows that disco gonna sound across the water ?
aloha,
pog

#17 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:45am

Graf

Update on KanDoo Island:
I contacted KanDoo Island yesterday via their website (http://www.gokandoo.com/contact.aspx); I received a call a few hours later from the COO, Robert Maynard, about the situation.
Mr. Maynard seemed to express genuine concern about my concerns and a willingness on his part to work with the community. He reiterated that they are operating as instructed by the DLNR and that they are subject to their rules. He was not opposed to moving the operation if DLNR revised their permit.
I also discussed the matter involving the KanDoo employee who was verbally abusive and threatening; I am comfortable that the matter will be resolved in a way that prevents a reoccurrence. I also believe that this was an action taken by the employee and obviously not representative of the company; unfortunately he was in a position that represented the company in a negative light at the time.
This appears to be a DLNR issue and not an issue with KanDoo Island. I would encourage anyone who has a concern with the location of this operation to contact Robert Polhemus, PhD, of the DLNR – Division of Aquatic Resources. The email address is [email protected]. Their website states that this is for unofficial correspondence only and that if you want to officially contact their office you need to send a letter to:
Robert Polhemus, PhD
DLNR-Division of Aquatic Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
And/or
Laura H. Thielen
Chairperson - DLNR
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Email Contact: [email protected]
Once again, their website states that email contact is for unofficial correspondence only and that if you want to officially contact their office you need to send a letter.
You can also contact KanDoo! Oahu, Inc. at:
Robert Maynard
KanDoo! Oahu, Inc.
1095 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 104
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
And/or via their website: http://www.gokandoo.com/contact.aspx
I would encourage respectful correspondence that explains your concerns and the historical precedent of these waters being used by the paddling community. Below is the text of a letter that I sent out today to DLNR-Division of Aquatic Resources.
Robert Polhemus, PHD
DLNR – Division of Aquatic Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: Kandoo! Oahu Inc. – Kandoo Island
Dr. Polhemus:
Please accept this letter as my official record of concern regarding the operation known as Kandoo Island that recently began operations in the waters off of Waikiki. Specifically I am concerned about the location of the Jet Ski course.
On Monday, August 17, while paddling a well established course training course for OC1, Surfski, OC6 paddlers, paddle boarders, etc., I encountered the Kandoo Island Jet Ski Operation platform and the accompanying course markers. The operations platform was anchored in a direct path between the Diamond Head Buoy and the Ala Wai Buoy; this platform is anchored inside the Jet Ski course which covers a very large area of water.
As I entered into this area I was advised by a Kandoo employee on a Jet Ski that I was entering their Jet Ski course and that I could be hit by a Jet Ski. I was informed that they were operating in the location mandated by their DLNR permit. Trying to avoid this area would have meant a severe change of course toward the beach and then back out to a line that would take me to the Ala Wai Buoy.
I contacted the Kandoo offices the following day and received an immediate response to my concerns. They were appreciative of my position but stated that they were operating where DLNR designated and that they were not legally permitted to alter their position without approval from the DLNR.
As an avid waterman who has paddled in the waters off Waikiki for over twenty years, I believe that the location designated by the DLNR for this operation is going to create unwanted safety concerns for all involved that will ultimately develop into unnecessary friction between Kandoo Island and the paddling community.
From my observations, Kandoo Island and more specifically the Jet Ski operations would not be in conflict with any established paddling routes if it were to be moved seaward. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in a solution to this matter.
Your attention to and response to this matter is greatly appreciated.
Aloha,
X
X
X
Phone XXX
Email: XXX
Cc: Laura Thielen
Robert Maynard, COO – Kandoo! Oahu, Inc.

#18 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 11:28am

H20LADY

there used to be a water activity boat close to the reef runway. took a sail boat to it.thats where this thing needs to go. why and how did kandoo get a permit to anchor outside waikiki ? it is a no wake zone inside the line from diamond head buoy to ala wai buoy. we as locals get shit from DLNR. they dont enforce any rules. and then we get accused of being anti business on this. why no community input on this issue??? now that this monstrosity is anchored there, we as an ocean using community have to fight for our right to use our waters?? big issue here is DLNR not being responsible to the people of the state. we do after all pay their salaries.
i am not anti bussiness. this thing needs to go elsewhere..not outside waikiki. if i was a tourist i sure wouldnt want my view of the pacific messed up by this thing anchored all day and night. . move it towards the airport.

#19 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 11:29am

rachel

Graf: Excellent letter. Thanks for writing it. Let us know if you need help generating a "paddling community" voice on this via a petition or anything. I too would love to be a part of a solution that is good for the business and good for the paddlers and other ocean users.

#20 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 11:37am

poopoopaddler

Graf, great job. Excellent to hear that Kandoo representatives are concerned with comments and feedback. I don't understand it when business give people the big FU, it can't be good for business.

#21 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 11:47am

koacanoe

Right on Poo, especially if the "people" is a travel industry executive also. Thanks Graf for informing us about this.
Just curious how this could happen on Thielen's watch?

#22 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 12:03pm

Graf

For those that want to be a part of the solution - don't wait for anyone else to initiate it. My last post provides the information needed to contact all involved. If DLNR gets enough email traffic on this then they are more likely to respond to our concerns. Please contact them if you are concerned - you can also spread the message to your family & friends who may be interested. Email is a great way to start a viral marketing campaign - use your contact list.
Be polite and respectful - DLNR is trying to do a job and Kandoo is trying to run a business - we want to represent the paddling community and our right to freely use Hawaii's ocean resources.
DLNR Contact Info:
Robert Polhemus, PHD
Email Contact: [email protected]
Laura H. Thielen
Email Contact: [email protected]

#23 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 1:27pm

kamamakakaua

Mahalo Graf for doing all the leg work to finding the contacts and write-up template for us - very professional and diplomatic of you in handling the situation the way you did given the circumstances of the moment!

#24 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 2:36pm

jbe

Thanks Graf for taking the high road on this. I will take your lead and not get into a confrontational debate on the water with them. Working through the DLNR will be the best way to go forward.
The reef runway area that is designated for that kind of activity is not being used by anyone that I can see. That would be a good place for them in my opinion. Lets get them moved before anyone gets hurt.

#25 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 2:56pm

jc9_0

Right on graf. I plan on writing something up as well. I appreciate you getting the ball rolling and doing the leg work.

#26 Wed, 08/19/2009 - 4:00pm

KONASARAH

Sounds like we don't have to worry. Word has it, from another business out there, that Kandoo went out of business earlier this week.

#27 Thu, 08/20/2009 - 5:58pm

jc9_0

i was wondering cause i paddled out from magic island yesterday and the barge wasn't there.

#28 Thu, 08/20/2009 - 6:16pm

Graf

I have been at Kewalo's the last two days with my daughters surfing and did not see the Kandoo barge in Waikiki or at the dock in Kewalo Basin. Too soon to tell but time will tell.

#29 Thu, 08/20/2009 - 9:50pm

BD808

The Kandoo Barge has been tied up in Honolulu Harbor where the Super Ferry used to berth. Hopefully it stays there.
Also, not all people on jet skis are idiots. Some of us have common sense and courtesy.

#30 Sat, 08/22/2009 - 11:41am

Kona J

Problems for Kandoo.
http://www.starbulletin.com/news/hawaiinews/Kandoo_sinking.html

#31 Sat, 08/22/2009 - 1:21pm

Graf

KanDoo may soon be back in the waters of Waikiki. The link below is from this week's PBN (08/28/09):
http://pacific.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2009/08/31/story2.html?a…
If you are concerned about this operation and its impact on our ocean recreation - paddling routes - please contact DLNR - Dept. of Boating and Ocean Resources - contact(s) information listed below:
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
333 Queen Street, Suite 300
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Telephone: (808) 587-1966
Fax: (808) 587-1977
And
Robert Polhemus, PhD
DLNR-Division of Aquatic Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Email Contact: [email protected]
And/or
Laura H. Thielen
Chairperson - DLNR
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Email Contact: [email protected]
You can also contact KanDoo! Oahu, Inc. at:
Robert Maynard
KanDoo! Oahu, Inc.
1095 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 104
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
And/or via their website: http://www.gokandoo.com/contact.aspx
I would encourage respectful correspondence that explains your concerns and the historical precedent of these waters being used by the paddling community.
If you are concerned, let your friends know about the situation and share this contact information with them.

#32 Fri, 08/28/2009 - 3:27pm