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))
I have not heard of any injuries attributed to Efoiling. As an Efoiler myself. We have no desire to foil close to swimmers, surfers or any powered water craft. We do not want to be near breaking waves and surfers. The waves we catch are the swells further out to sea that do not beak. Surfers are not able to catch these waves so we never share the same waves.
I believe it would be an extreme over reach and over regulation that targets a select group of citizens for no reason under the guise of environmental protection and public safety.
This topic is not new and all previous attempts by these special interest groups to ban or reclassify Efoils have failed in both house and senate committees after review of all the facts.
Additionally, For many physically disabled people an Efoil is the only way for them to access and enjoy the ocean which should be protected in accordance with the Americans with disabilities act.
Finally, there is very little audible impact from efoils on marine life. When compared to other powered watercraft, efoils are the most quiet.
Aloha, my name is Alika Ferreira and I operate an efoil personally and operate an efoil school commercially on Oahu. I have instructed 1000s of people on how to safely operate an efoil over the past three years and I have ZERO incidents to report. We teach lessons away from the busy locations such as Waikiki.
There is very little audible impact from efoils on marine life. When compared to other powered watercraft, efoils are the most quiet.
If this bill is passed, you would be placing an efoil in the same category as a jet ski. Efoils are much more like a small dingy or pontoon boat than a jet ski. Efoil speeds are capable of 30 mph, similar to a pontoon boat and dingy, but very different from a jet ski with speeds of 60-120 mph. Efoils operate only when the operator is onboard. As soon as the operator falls, the efoil motor shuts off. That is not true for jet skis or boats.
Efoils are classified as vessels by the US Coast Guard. As such, vessels are restricted from surf zones, swim zones, and other vessel restricted areas. This classification is sufficient to prevent accidents with non-powered watercrafts. If this bill is approved, you would put Efoil operators in the same zone as a jet ski which would put the efoil operator in harms way.
Please consider this points and those of all Efoil operators when making your decision. I am available for live testimony if desired.
I am writing to express my opposition and frustration with the proposed law change affecting Efoils.
I believe it would be an extreme over reach and over regulation that targets a select group of citizens for no reason under the guise of environmental protection and public safety.
This topic is not new and all previous attempts by these special interest groups to ban or reclassify Efoils have failed in both house and senate committees after review of all the facts.
Both the Hawaii State DOBOR and
the State Attorney General have previously ruled and reconfirmed in public testimony that Efoils are not to be classified as thrill craft.
Efoils have been operating safely in Hawaii waters for many years.
In that time there have been no documented injures to other people, whales, or marine life.
For many physically disabled people
An Efoil is the only way for them to access and enjoy the ocean which should be protected in accordance with the Americans with disabilities act.
Despite being provided with this information these special interest groups continue to try and impose their will and agenda on their fellow citizens. They have continuously tried to re-classify Efoils as a thrill craft in an attempt to restrict peoples access to the ocean.
If there is a problem, we should pass laws to address the problem instead targeting a select group of people.
Boats and many other watercraft that are larger, faster and have more potential for damage are not banned or classified as thrill craft. Why would a different rule or logic be applied to a an Efoil?
Banning or restricting a certain watercraft is not the answer.
The answer is to identify any problems that may exist and then make reasonable laws to address and target those problems instead of the watercraft used.
Efoiling is such a peaceful way to enjoy our beautiful waters. I have a hard time believing these claims of injuries and noise affecting sea life. These foils are extremely quiet and we don't want to be any where near swimmers, surfers or motorized boats / jet skis. I have heard of non motorized foil surf boards being used with other surfers and causing problems. Please don't get these mixed up.
There is no evidence to support the theory that marine life is harmed by efoil noise. The quiet electric electric motors have a tiny fraction of the power of an outboard and do not leak any pollutants.
Many of the newer sports have been opposed by existing ocean users. Windsurfing, then kiteboarding, now foiling have met resistance but eventually everyone has found a way to coexist in a happy way. Let’s all share the large ocean.
Aloha. My name is Mau AhHee. I work as a county lifeguard. I support the county banning commercial efoil operations. EFoils are dangerous to swimmers. Had a few rescues going through airport beach and seeing them get super close to swimmers. Most of those eFoil people using it there are newbies and all you need is one to catch a swimmer and kill them. Being a guard we do a lot of preventive actions but hard to do being in the other side of rock. We see guys slowly take off by Hanakao’o but they stay outside of the swim buoys. Cancel the commercialization of eFoils. Mahalo
It makes me so sad for the sea life that now has to put up with the annoying high pitched squeal these motorized fouls make, let alone myself that enjoys the serenity of being under the water. Not to mention the obvious danger of crossing where many swim, snorkel, canoe, kayak, etc. it’s not the right place for them. They should be out by jet skis and parasails where it is zoned and seasonal.
In our rapidly advancing world, eFoils have emerged as an environmentally conscious addition to water sports, promising a serene and harmless experience. As advocates for innovation and responsible recreation, we strongly oppose any potential ban on eFoils and urge their acceptance for the numerous positive attributes they bring. These electric-powered hydrofoil surfboards offer a quiet and peaceful glide above the water's surface, with minimal environmental impact, presenting a fantastic opportunity for inclusive and nature-friendly aquatic adventures.
One of the key reasons why eFoils deserve our support is their gentle and unintrusive operation. With electric propulsion, these craft emit no harmful emissions, ensuring our waterways remain pristine and undisturbed. Their quiet motor ensures that marine life and other water enthusiasts are not disrupted, fostering a harmonious coexistence in our natural habitats. Moreover, eFoils provide an accessible and safe experience for people of all skill levels, allowing more individuals to engage with water sports in a way that promotes physical well-being and relaxation. We need to be able to continue to enjoy the wonders of eFoils while preserving the beauty and tranquility of our precious water environments. Together, let us champion this sustainable and peaceful approach to watersports and create a positive impact for our planet and its inhabitants.
No offense, but it seems that people who support this ban do not have any clue about eFoiling and should educate themselves first before spreading false information.
I have not heard of any injuries attributed to Efoiling. As an Efoiler myself. We have no desire to foil close to swimmers, surfers or any powered water craft. We do not want to be near breaking waves and surfers. The waves we catch are the swells further out to sea that do not beak. Surfers are not able to catch these waves so we never share the same waves. It would be dangerous to group efoilers and jet skis in the same area. A Jet ski can travel at several times the speed of a typical efoiler and the jet skis can weigh several hundred pounds. A jet ski hitting an foiler would be comparable to a pedestrian getting hit by a car. An E Foil have no wake, no noise, no exhaust, no fuel, no trailers. E foils are much less impactful that jet skis and other thrill craft. I have heard of non motorized foil surf boards being used with other surfers and a few resulting injuries. These non motorized foil boards are not representative of how we operate our efoils. It make no sense for us to foil in a crowd. Our battery gives us the luxury of being able to reach areas where no one else is. Please consider most if not all of these injury claims are from non motorized foil surf boards.
I oppose because they are dangerous. Also because the noise underwater damages octupus and other marine life. They should not be allowed at airport beach where there is so much marine life and swimmers snd divers snd snorkelers all day long.
I’m an Efoiler and resident of Paia. Efoils allow me to enjoy the ocean in a peaceful manner and I make a point to stay away from fishermen, swimmers and other watercraft. There are many other resident foilers who use these craft and make a point of respecting other people and wildlife on the ocean.
Efoils are slower and quieter than a windsurfer or powered boat, emit no pollution and are one of the myriad ways people spend time at sea. Please allow us to continue to do this.
On E Foil s how is there use unlike an other craft operated on the ocean by a single entity be it a boat , foil, jet ski .
Stop beng ridiclous with trying to ban them . Enforcement will never happen due to understaffing and lack of interest from DlNR or anyone else .
E-foils are not thill crafts, they are quiet, use clean energy, don't pollute, create no wake and are used at speeds much lower than thill crafts. We should be encouraging more to gain the skills to use E-foils for exploring the Hawaiian coast line instead of using boats. It is much safer for E-foils to launch from our beaches rather than a boat ramp, which this proposal would require. I have E-foiled in Maui for 2 years, and I only receive positive comments from locals and turists when I get back on the beach after an E-foil session. Remarks such as "You made my day - it was so beautiful to watch you glide above the wafer" are very common.
An experienced foilboarder doesn't know what these boards will do sometimes, let alone a beginner riding these near others. This is a disaster and lawsuit waiting to happen. I have seen many friends hurt by their foils! That is exactly why I don't foil.
I was nearly hit by an E-Foil moving at their speeds of 25 mph. They should be banned complletely. A web site (E-Foil injuries.com). From kahekili Beach park to Black Rock. I've been swimming this area since the mid 1970's. but it's not safe anymore. As my letter states not only for residents,visitors, but NATURE. Does Anyone Really Care. Less is More, Would it be nice to enjoy the peace and quietness and safety of what it used to be like. One more assault not only on us, but nature, Where frequent sightings of Turtles, seals, and winter migrations of whales. No more as the E-Foil emits a sound that can easily be heard over 100 yards away.
Richard Roshon
I have not heard of any injuries attributed to Efoiling. As an Efoiler myself. We have no desire to foil close to swimmers, surfers or any powered water craft. We do not want to be near breaking waves and surfers. The waves we catch are the swells further out to sea that do not beak. Surfers are not able to catch these waves so we never share the same waves.
I believe it would be an extreme over reach and over regulation that targets a select group of citizens for no reason under the guise of environmental protection and public safety.
This topic is not new and all previous attempts by these special interest groups to ban or reclassify Efoils have failed in both house and senate committees after review of all the facts.
Additionally, For many physically disabled people an Efoil is the only way for them to access and enjoy the ocean which should be protected in accordance with the Americans with disabilities act.
Finally, there is very little audible impact from efoils on marine life. When compared to other powered watercraft, efoils are the most quiet.
Aloha, my name is Alika Ferreira and I operate an efoil personally and operate an efoil school commercially on Oahu. I have instructed 1000s of people on how to safely operate an efoil over the past three years and I have ZERO incidents to report. We teach lessons away from the busy locations such as Waikiki.
There is very little audible impact from efoils on marine life. When compared to other powered watercraft, efoils are the most quiet.
If this bill is passed, you would be placing an efoil in the same category as a jet ski. Efoils are much more like a small dingy or pontoon boat than a jet ski. Efoil speeds are capable of 30 mph, similar to a pontoon boat and dingy, but very different from a jet ski with speeds of 60-120 mph. Efoils operate only when the operator is onboard. As soon as the operator falls, the efoil motor shuts off. That is not true for jet skis or boats.
Efoils are classified as vessels by the US Coast Guard. As such, vessels are restricted from surf zones, swim zones, and other vessel restricted areas. This classification is sufficient to prevent accidents with non-powered watercrafts. If this bill is approved, you would put Efoil operators in the same zone as a jet ski which would put the efoil operator in harms way.
Please consider this points and those of all Efoil operators when making your decision. I am available for live testimony if desired.
Mahalo,
Alika Ferreira
I am writing to express my opposition and frustration with the proposed law change affecting Efoils.
I believe it would be an extreme over reach and over regulation that targets a select group of citizens for no reason under the guise of environmental protection and public safety.
This topic is not new and all previous attempts by these special interest groups to ban or reclassify Efoils have failed in both house and senate committees after review of all the facts.
Both the Hawaii State DOBOR and
the State Attorney General have previously ruled and reconfirmed in public testimony that Efoils are not to be classified as thrill craft.
Efoils have been operating safely in Hawaii waters for many years.
In that time there have been no documented injures to other people, whales, or marine life.
For many physically disabled people
An Efoil is the only way for them to access and enjoy the ocean which should be protected in accordance with the Americans with disabilities act.
Despite being provided with this information these special interest groups continue to try and impose their will and agenda on their fellow citizens. They have continuously tried to re-classify Efoils as a thrill craft in an attempt to restrict peoples access to the ocean.
If there is a problem, we should pass laws to address the problem instead targeting a select group of people.
Boats and many other watercraft that are larger, faster and have more potential for damage are not banned or classified as thrill craft. Why would a different rule or logic be applied to a an Efoil?
Banning or restricting a certain watercraft is not the answer.
The answer is to identify any problems that may exist and then make reasonable laws to address and target those problems instead of the watercraft used.
Sincerely, James Dvorak
Efoiling is such a peaceful way to enjoy our beautiful waters. I have a hard time believing these claims of injuries and noise affecting sea life. These foils are extremely quiet and we don't want to be any where near swimmers, surfers or motorized boats / jet skis. I have heard of non motorized foil surf boards being used with other surfers and causing problems. Please don't get these mixed up.
There is no evidence to support the theory that marine life is harmed by efoil noise. The quiet electric electric motors have a tiny fraction of the power of an outboard and do not leak any pollutants.
Many of the newer sports have been opposed by existing ocean users. Windsurfing, then kiteboarding, now foiling have met resistance but eventually everyone has found a way to coexist in a happy way. Let’s all share the large ocean.
Aloha. My name is Mau AhHee. I work as a county lifeguard. I support the county banning commercial efoil operations. EFoils are dangerous to swimmers. Had a few rescues going through airport beach and seeing them get super close to swimmers. Most of those eFoil people using it there are newbies and all you need is one to catch a swimmer and kill them. Being a guard we do a lot of preventive actions but hard to do being in the other side of rock. We see guys slowly take off by Hanakao’o but they stay outside of the swim buoys. Cancel the commercialization of eFoils. Mahalo
It makes me so sad for the sea life that now has to put up with the annoying high pitched squeal these motorized fouls make, let alone myself that enjoys the serenity of being under the water. Not to mention the obvious danger of crossing where many swim, snorkel, canoe, kayak, etc. it’s not the right place for them. They should be out by jet skis and parasails where it is zoned and seasonal.
Respectfully oppose
In our rapidly advancing world, eFoils have emerged as an environmentally conscious addition to water sports, promising a serene and harmless experience. As advocates for innovation and responsible recreation, we strongly oppose any potential ban on eFoils and urge their acceptance for the numerous positive attributes they bring. These electric-powered hydrofoil surfboards offer a quiet and peaceful glide above the water's surface, with minimal environmental impact, presenting a fantastic opportunity for inclusive and nature-friendly aquatic adventures.
One of the key reasons why eFoils deserve our support is their gentle and unintrusive operation. With electric propulsion, these craft emit no harmful emissions, ensuring our waterways remain pristine and undisturbed. Their quiet motor ensures that marine life and other water enthusiasts are not disrupted, fostering a harmonious coexistence in our natural habitats. Moreover, eFoils provide an accessible and safe experience for people of all skill levels, allowing more individuals to engage with water sports in a way that promotes physical well-being and relaxation. We need to be able to continue to enjoy the wonders of eFoils while preserving the beauty and tranquility of our precious water environments. Together, let us champion this sustainable and peaceful approach to watersports and create a positive impact for our planet and its inhabitants.
No offense, but it seems that people who support this ban do not have any clue about eFoiling and should educate themselves first before spreading false information.
I have not heard of any injuries attributed to Efoiling. As an Efoiler myself. We have no desire to foil close to swimmers, surfers or any powered water craft. We do not want to be near breaking waves and surfers. The waves we catch are the swells further out to sea that do not beak. Surfers are not able to catch these waves so we never share the same waves. It would be dangerous to group efoilers and jet skis in the same area. A Jet ski can travel at several times the speed of a typical efoiler and the jet skis can weigh several hundred pounds. A jet ski hitting an foiler would be comparable to a pedestrian getting hit by a car. An E Foil have no wake, no noise, no exhaust, no fuel, no trailers. E foils are much less impactful that jet skis and other thrill craft. I have heard of non motorized foil surf boards being used with other surfers and a few resulting injuries. These non motorized foil boards are not representative of how we operate our efoils. It make no sense for us to foil in a crowd. Our battery gives us the luxury of being able to reach areas where no one else is. Please consider most if not all of these injury claims are from non motorized foil surf boards.
I oppose because they are dangerous. Also because the noise underwater damages octupus and other marine life. They should not be allowed at airport beach where there is so much marine life and swimmers snd divers snd snorkelers all day long.
Oppose
I’m an Efoiler and resident of Paia. Efoils allow me to enjoy the ocean in a peaceful manner and I make a point to stay away from fishermen, swimmers and other watercraft. There are many other resident foilers who use these craft and make a point of respecting other people and wildlife on the ocean.
Efoils are slower and quieter than a windsurfer or powered boat, emit no pollution and are one of the myriad ways people spend time at sea. Please allow us to continue to do this.
On E Foil s how is there use unlike an other craft operated on the ocean by a single entity be it a boat , foil, jet ski .
Stop beng ridiclous with trying to ban them . Enforcement will never happen due to understaffing and lack of interest from DlNR or anyone else .
Thank you for looking out for beach users
E-foils are not thill crafts, they are quiet, use clean energy, don't pollute, create no wake and are used at speeds much lower than thill crafts. We should be encouraging more to gain the skills to use E-foils for exploring the Hawaiian coast line instead of using boats. It is much safer for E-foils to launch from our beaches rather than a boat ramp, which this proposal would require. I have E-foiled in Maui for 2 years, and I only receive positive comments from locals and turists when I get back on the beach after an E-foil session. Remarks such as "You made my day - it was so beautiful to watch you glide above the wafer" are very common.
Please urge the State to act with urgency, there is an immediate threat to public health and safety.
Please see attached legal action filed with DLNR.
An experienced foilboarder doesn't know what these boards will do sometimes, let alone a beginner riding these near others. This is a disaster and lawsuit waiting to happen. I have seen many friends hurt by their foils! That is exactly why I don't foil.
I was nearly hit by an E-Foil moving at their speeds of 25 mph. They should be banned complletely. A web site (E-Foil injuries.com). From kahekili Beach park to Black Rock. I've been swimming this area since the mid 1970's. but it's not safe anymore. As my letter states not only for residents,visitors, but NATURE. Does Anyone Really Care. Less is More, Would it be nice to enjoy the peace and quietness and safety of what it used to be like. One more assault not only on us, but nature, Where frequent sightings of Turtles, seals, and winter migrations of whales. No more as the E-Foil emits a sound that can easily be heard over 100 yards away.
Richard Roshon
I have previously submitted testimony in support of this in order to protect marine and human life.