GREAT-3(6) Reso 23-183 RESOLUTION 23-183, RELATING TO APPROVING FOR INCLUSION IN THE 2024 HAWAII STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE A STATE BILL RELATING TO MOTORIZED WATERCRAFTS (GREAT-3(6))
Everyone enjoys the water in their own way, and everyone has dislikes of how others use the water. If you remove one activity, then those will fight to remove another. Let the people work amongst themselves in the water. We are capable of communicating, we do not need an overreaching authority to command us on what we can and cannot do.
I’ve only been efoiling for a little over two years but this article scares me! Similar those who find their niches in other activities or sports, I have found my niche in efoiling and practice approximately 5 days per week so for this sport to become illegal would be an absolute shame! I understand some of the safety concerns surrounding efoil but if you use common sense and follow the rules then this sport is no more harmful then any other sport. Please don’t make efoiling illegal, this sport has changed my life and by extension I get to impact other people’s lives with the lessons I provide. I feel like we’ve only just begun exploring the possibilities behind the sport of efoiling so I will continue to pray that the power at be allow efoiling to continue!!
eFoils pose no excessive threat to Hawaii's waters, marine life, or its people. In fact, data shows that eFoiling is statistically safer than other motorized activities in our oceans. Not only does it boast an excellent safety record, but it also stands out as an eco-friendly option, being cleaner for the environment than other motorized water activities while being quieter too.
All the relevant documents substantiating these claims are readily available for any council member or concerned citizen to review, ensuring transparency and confidence in our findings. Unfortunately, there are voices seeking to ban eFoils without factual basis or consideration of these established facts.
I must emphasize that Kai Nashiki, Tiare Lawrence, and others supporting this biased ban are making unfounded accusations. Their arguments lack factual support and fail to consider the significant efforts made to ensure the safety and sustainability of eFoiling. Such actions are discriminatory, un-"ETHICAL," and undermine the principles of transparency that our council stands for.
I earnestly request the council to defer this topic, as it has already been diligently assessed by competent authorities within their purview. Instead, let us focus on addressing more pressing issues that require the council's attention. Our activities have been legally sound and thoroughly vetted, adhering to the highest professional standards.
Please reconsider this bylaw. It will not only destroy the businesses on island who have been operating successfully and adding value to tourism experiences but will also take away jobs and retail sales related to this sport.
This is already a well regulated industry and is not posing any harm to the environment or persons related. This is also a clean and green activity compared to many of the charter businesses on island.
Thanks you for your consideration.
Aloha, my name is Rhett Russell and I oppose the addition of efoils to the "thrill craft" category. The idea that an efoil is anything close to a jetski or requires this type of regulation has no basis in fact or common sense. They are not similar in any way; especially speed, noise, or maneuverability. There is simply no way for these slower moving watercraft to safely operate in the "thrill craft" zones - you would essentially be sending efoils that are more similar to a surfboard than a jetski out into the rougher open ocean where they are not practical; they don't have the range or the rough water handling capabilities to operate in the majority of the thrill craft zones. This proposal essentially bans the use of efoils without saying that publicly by attempting to put these craft in the same category as jet skis. Please don't conflate the use of efoils with thrill craft just to get rid of a sport that you may not agree with especially since efoils are already regulated by the DLNR and require a license. Mahalo
I am opposed to this resolution that would change the definition of "thrill craft" to include eFoils. eFoils are quiet, electric, and non-polluting.
An eFoil is nothing like other items categorized as "Thrill Craft". Thrill Craft, like wave runners and jet skis, are generally large, heavy, loud, polluting, operated at very fast speeds, and cause wakes. As such, they are, in my opinion, correctly limited in the locations in which they can be used. I do not want to be at the beach and hear the loud whine of jet ski engines.
In contrast, eFoils are relatively small (shorter than most surfboards), light (can easily be carried, unlike jet skis and don’t require boat launch ramps or trailers), and are generally operated at relatively slow speeds (5-10 knots). This is much slower than jet skis and other Thrill Craft, and much slower than kite surfboards. They produce no wake.
I am very concerned that if this bill passes, eFoilers will be limited to riding in a few very dangerous areas--that is, areas where true "Thrill Craft" are allowed. I don't want eFoilers to be competing with jet skis on the water--a competition that they will surely lose, perhaps even with tragic results.
Please oppose this resolution and allow eFoilers to continue to safely enjoy the beauty of Hawaii's waters without putting them in danger.
I am reaching out to you directly to express my deep concern for this bias hearing topic on 8.1.23 at 1:30pm. I personally have worked with the DLNR DOBOR from Oahu and all islands to help understand and create legislation for the Electric Foil Boards entry into ocean activity. These works started in December of 2019. Organizations involved have been; U.S. Coast Guard, The Hawaii State Attorney General, NOAA, DLNR DOBOR, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). The conclusion of the collaborative efforts of these organizations, combined with known professionals and famous waterman of Hawaii, are as follows: Electric Foil Boarding bares no excessive threat to hawaii waters, marine life or its people. It is safer in all Ocean activity statistics than other motorized activities. It is cleaner for the environment than all other motorized activities and is quieter. The documents required to prove all of this information can be readily available to any council member or public citizen. Kai Nashiki, Tiare Lawrence, and all other activists associated with this bias push, are making non factual arguments and accusations. They are discriminating and extremely un-“ETHICAL” and non “TRANSPARENT,” which I gathered is the bases of this counsels meaning. If you would like proof of these comments, just ask, they are all documented.
I urge the counsel to defer this topic while it’s been assessed already by specific authorities within its purview. The county council has more important topics that require its attention. All of our activities are legally sound and vetted as a professional company should be.
I apologize for the time you have already put into entertaining all false accusations. Feel free to call or email me at your convenience.
I support Maui County Council urging the state to immediately revoke all commercial permits for this activity to protect the health and safety of the public before someone gets seriously injured or killed.
E-foils are a safe non polluting way to enjoy the Ocean. It is unfair to ban them. The community has always went out of its way to be inclusive and follow all of the rules
Why is this being debated again? Last year it didn't pass. Why are time and resources being used on this? Move on people. Or please fix real problems in Hawaii
Clearly the individuals in support here have no idea about this technology. Why don't you go to the beach like I did and learn more about it. I don't own one but these things should replace all motorized gas boats.
Also if you are swimming outside the designated swim area you are taking your life onto your own hands. The Efoil won't hurt you but the guy on the boat blasting music while drunk will. Ban Boats! BAN PEOPLE SWIMING OUTSIDE OF DESIGNATED SWIM ZONES.
The same people thst oppose efoils are the same people that opposed Tesla's. Now they are driving Tesla's. World will evolve if you like it or not. I prefer a 4hp silent electric motor over 400hp gas guzzling cigar boat. But if efoils are outlawed then I'll be back to the 400hp boat.
Everyone enjoys the water in their own way, and everyone has dislikes of how others use the water. If you remove one activity, then those will fight to remove another. Let the people work amongst themselves in the water. We are capable of communicating, we do not need an overreaching authority to command us on what we can and cannot do.
I support the banning of hydrofoils in Maui. They are a danger to swimmers and snorkelers. At the very least hey should be restricted like ja jet ski
Allow people to exercise
This is ridiculous... let people have fun
I’ve only been efoiling for a little over two years but this article scares me! Similar those who find their niches in other activities or sports, I have found my niche in efoiling and practice approximately 5 days per week so for this sport to become illegal would be an absolute shame! I understand some of the safety concerns surrounding efoil but if you use common sense and follow the rules then this sport is no more harmful then any other sport. Please don’t make efoiling illegal, this sport has changed my life and by extension I get to impact other people’s lives with the lessons I provide. I feel like we’ve only just begun exploring the possibilities behind the sport of efoiling so I will continue to pray that the power at be allow efoiling to continue!!
eFoils pose no excessive threat to Hawaii's waters, marine life, or its people. In fact, data shows that eFoiling is statistically safer than other motorized activities in our oceans. Not only does it boast an excellent safety record, but it also stands out as an eco-friendly option, being cleaner for the environment than other motorized water activities while being quieter too.
All the relevant documents substantiating these claims are readily available for any council member or concerned citizen to review, ensuring transparency and confidence in our findings. Unfortunately, there are voices seeking to ban eFoils without factual basis or consideration of these established facts.
I must emphasize that Kai Nashiki, Tiare Lawrence, and others supporting this biased ban are making unfounded accusations. Their arguments lack factual support and fail to consider the significant efforts made to ensure the safety and sustainability of eFoiling. Such actions are discriminatory, un-"ETHICAL," and undermine the principles of transparency that our council stands for.
I earnestly request the council to defer this topic, as it has already been diligently assessed by competent authorities within their purview. Instead, let us focus on addressing more pressing issues that require the council's attention. Our activities have been legally sound and thoroughly vetted, adhering to the highest professional standards.
Please reconsider this bylaw. It will not only destroy the businesses on island who have been operating successfully and adding value to tourism experiences but will also take away jobs and retail sales related to this sport.
This is already a well regulated industry and is not posing any harm to the environment or persons related. This is also a clean and green activity compared to many of the charter businesses on island.
Thanks you for your consideration.
Aloha, my name is Rhett Russell and I oppose the addition of efoils to the "thrill craft" category. The idea that an efoil is anything close to a jetski or requires this type of regulation has no basis in fact or common sense. They are not similar in any way; especially speed, noise, or maneuverability. There is simply no way for these slower moving watercraft to safely operate in the "thrill craft" zones - you would essentially be sending efoils that are more similar to a surfboard than a jetski out into the rougher open ocean where they are not practical; they don't have the range or the rough water handling capabilities to operate in the majority of the thrill craft zones. This proposal essentially bans the use of efoils without saying that publicly by attempting to put these craft in the same category as jet skis. Please don't conflate the use of efoils with thrill craft just to get rid of a sport that you may not agree with especially since efoils are already regulated by the DLNR and require a license. Mahalo
Efoils are safe and fun
This isn’t right for y’all to do this. Isn’t this the land of the free?
I am opposed to this resolution that would change the definition of "thrill craft" to include eFoils. eFoils are quiet, electric, and non-polluting.
An eFoil is nothing like other items categorized as "Thrill Craft". Thrill Craft, like wave runners and jet skis, are generally large, heavy, loud, polluting, operated at very fast speeds, and cause wakes. As such, they are, in my opinion, correctly limited in the locations in which they can be used. I do not want to be at the beach and hear the loud whine of jet ski engines.
In contrast, eFoils are relatively small (shorter than most surfboards), light (can easily be carried, unlike jet skis and don’t require boat launch ramps or trailers), and are generally operated at relatively slow speeds (5-10 knots). This is much slower than jet skis and other Thrill Craft, and much slower than kite surfboards. They produce no wake.
I am very concerned that if this bill passes, eFoilers will be limited to riding in a few very dangerous areas--that is, areas where true "Thrill Craft" are allowed. I don't want eFoilers to be competing with jet skis on the water--a competition that they will surely lose, perhaps even with tragic results.
Please oppose this resolution and allow eFoilers to continue to safely enjoy the beauty of Hawaii's waters without putting them in danger.
Please allow us to foil
This is dangerous for local swimmers and especially our keiki.
Aloha Maui County Council Members,
I am reaching out to you directly to express my deep concern for this bias hearing topic on 8.1.23 at 1:30pm. I personally have worked with the DLNR DOBOR from Oahu and all islands to help understand and create legislation for the Electric Foil Boards entry into ocean activity. These works started in December of 2019. Organizations involved have been; U.S. Coast Guard, The Hawaii State Attorney General, NOAA, DLNR DOBOR, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). The conclusion of the collaborative efforts of these organizations, combined with known professionals and famous waterman of Hawaii, are as follows: Electric Foil Boarding bares no excessive threat to hawaii waters, marine life or its people. It is safer in all Ocean activity statistics than other motorized activities. It is cleaner for the environment than all other motorized activities and is quieter. The documents required to prove all of this information can be readily available to any council member or public citizen. Kai Nashiki, Tiare Lawrence, and all other activists associated with this bias push, are making non factual arguments and accusations. They are discriminating and extremely un-“ETHICAL” and non “TRANSPARENT,” which I gathered is the bases of this counsels meaning. If you would like proof of these comments, just ask, they are all documented.
I urge the counsel to defer this topic while it’s been assessed already by specific authorities within its purview. The county council has more important topics that require its attention. All of our activities are legally sound and vetted as a professional company should be.
I apologize for the time you have already put into entertaining all false accusations. Feel free to call or email me at your convenience.
Mahalo Nui Loa.
I support Maui County Council urging the state to immediately revoke all commercial permits for this activity to protect the health and safety of the public before someone gets seriously injured or killed.
E-foils are a safe non polluting way to enjoy the Ocean. It is unfair to ban them. The community has always went out of its way to be inclusive and follow all of the rules
Why is this being debated again? Last year it didn't pass. Why are time and resources being used on this? Move on people. Or please fix real problems in Hawaii
Oppose
Clearly the individuals in support here have no idea about this technology. Why don't you go to the beach like I did and learn more about it. I don't own one but these things should replace all motorized gas boats.
Also if you are swimming outside the designated swim area you are taking your life onto your own hands. The Efoil won't hurt you but the guy on the boat blasting music while drunk will. Ban Boats! BAN PEOPLE SWIMING OUTSIDE OF DESIGNATED SWIM ZONES.
The same people thst oppose efoils are the same people that opposed Tesla's. Now they are driving Tesla's. World will evolve if you like it or not. I prefer a 4hp silent electric motor over 400hp gas guzzling cigar boat. But if efoils are outlawed then I'll be back to the 400hp boat.