Maui News Article 9/29/03

Monday, September 29, 2003 — Time: 9:36:42 PM EST Kiteboarding group hopes new plans fly with FAA By MELISSA TANJI, Staff Writer KAHULUI - About 50 kiteboarders met Sunday to strategize against a ban that could ground their popular sport from Waiehu to Kuau. At a meeting of the Maui chapter of the Hawaii Kiteboarding Association, chapter President Martin Kirk said the group will post signs as early as today in areas of a "no-fly zone." He said the signs will warn kiteboarding enthusiasts where they can and cannot enjoy the sport. This was one of several action plans outlined at Sunday's meeting, in hopes of halting an FAA plan to rescind a waiver allowing the sport on Maui's north shore. Earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration said it would take back a waiver on Oct. 15. Officials said the kites, some with lines 100 feet long, have interfered with Kahului Airport operations and need to be kept away. Kiteboarding businesses and enthusiasts were devastated by the news and maintained that such a decision would close one of the world's premier locations for the sport, and deal a blow to the growing industry of kite instructors, equipment retailers and board makers. FAA rules prohibit kites and balloons within five miles of airports, but in 2002 the agency had issued a waiver, imposing a half-mile "no-fly zone" off Kahului Airport's runway 2 and permitting kiteboarders at other beaches in the area. The FAA issued the waiver to Kirk, who is also responsible for violations. Kirk and HKA members respond to any violation calls and head to the beach to inform the violators personally. Kirk said airport tower officials told him that he and his group have responded in a timely manner. In hopes of keeping the waiver, Kirk said HKA plans to: Publicize the rules by means of notices to magazines and vacation rental agencies; signs at airports; and notices on travel gear bags of arriving passengers. - Have warning buoys cautioning kiteboarders where they can and cannot go. - Maintain a cellular phone where air traffic controllers can report violations to the organization. - Hire a lifeguard to patrol the waters off the runway during the Red Bull King of the Air 2003 kiteboarding event Oct. 4 to 11 on Maui's north shore. - Urge the county to take over the waiver to prevent any conflicts by businesses. Last month, the county reportedly discussed taking over the waiver - an action that Kirk would welcome, because he has a large liability exposure as the sole holder. Kirk, who also owns the Kiteboarding School of Maui, said some of his competitors resent that he has the waiver. Kirk said he and HKA board member Peter Siracusa met with FAA officials Thursday to discuss why the waiver was going to be rescinded. Kirk declined to disclose meeting details to the The Maui News but said, "It was a productive meeting. The FAA and the tower (officials) have been always professional." According to previous reports, when the waiver is rescinded, it effectively would prohibit kiteboarding at beaches from Waiehu to Kuau, although Hookipa Beach Park is believed to be just outside the restricted area. Julie Gilbert, a professional kiteboarder and HKA board member, told the crowd at Kaa Point, also known as Kite Beach, that the FAA would like to see a unified kiteboarding group. Kirk said group members can work together to police and educate kiteboarders in the "no-fly zone" area. He indicated that visitors from foreign countries may violate the no-fly zone because they are unaware of it. Kirk said he had received calls from people saying the problem could be eliminated if kiteboarding were banned in Spreckelsville. Kiteboarder David Dorn, who owns Action Sports Maui, told The Maui News he supported a strategy to ban the sport from Spreckelsville. He estimated that 90 to 95 percent of the kiteboarders go to Kite Beach instead of Spreckelsville anyway. But Kirk and others said if they agreed to ban the sport in Spreckelsville, they might not get the site back while violations still might occur.

Email from Dave Terry 9/28/03

As a Maui Kiter, I feel it most important to address this letter with regards to all kiteboarders in the entire world. In the history of kiteboarding, there will be a time when this issue is mute. But we are in the midst of a struggle of ignorance and dominance. You will decide the end result. I will simply make suggestions, " Please police the area of the runway. Even if it requires hiring a security team with police backup. " If there is ever to be a problem with kites and airplanes, it will be at the end of the runway. We could go to the residents at the end of the runway and plead for their help and I'm certain there would be all kinds of controversy. this may be exactly what you need. What I have experienced with this issue is the lack of taking this issue to the press, fear of the sailboarders, surfers, fisherman and oneself. I'm not talking about publishing a little sidebar in the the Maui News, but taking the issue to Washington. The Washington Post and several congressmen will find this issue valuable. Someone will realize this is ignorance and take the issue to heart. This entire issue is stupid and sticky with fear. Kiteboard kites do not adventure upwards and are limited to a maximum of about 200 feet. The original law was composed during a time when humans were trying to see how high they could fly kites. When the levels of aviation measurements were defined there were not two line kites and kites are no longer lifting, but tracking. Times change, humans evolve and it's kiteboardings' duty to see others realize kiteboarding is safe, a valuable tool, and not a threat to airplanes. Please consider the idea of addressing the Associated Press, Linda Lingle, CNN and the US Congress, to transcend the levels of ignorance we are now experiencing. Sincerely, Dave Terry

Red Bull email post 9/27/03

> The most prestigious kiteboarding event in the world, Red Bull King of the > Air, is only a week away. Anticipation in Maui and around the world is > growing as an > impressive international field of kiters prepare to give it their all for a > chance at the coveted King and Queen of the Air titles bestowed to the > winners of the event. > > From October 6 – 12, 2003 Red Bull King of the Air will return for its > fifth year to the wind-whipped north shore of Maui. The event will > showcase the world’s most > progressive kiteboarders in what is regarded as the premier kiteboarding > event of the season. Qualifying rounds will take place at Kanaha Beach and > then > move up the road to Ho’okipa Beach for the main event where the north > shore’s infamous surf will add a major element to the competition. The > international field > of competitors will be after the prestigious “Red Bull King of the Air” > title and a piece of the $20,000 prize purse. > > > SCHEDULE OF EVENTS > > > SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5: > > 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Registration for athletes, media and staff > 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Opening Luau, Kanaha Canoe Hale > > MONDAY, OCTOBER 6: > > 9:30 a.m.: Rider’s meeting > 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: First Round Trials, Kanaha Beach (in front of Hale) > > TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7: > > 9:30 a.m.: Rider Meeting > 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Second Round Trials, Kanaha Beach (in front of Hale) > 7:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.: Preliminary Qualifiers Party, Kahului Ale House > > WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8: > > Demonstration/Practice day, Kanaha Beach (in front of Hale) > > THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9: > > 9:30 a.m.: Rider Meeting, Ho’okipa Beach Park > 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: First Round Main Event > **FREE PARKING AND SHUTTLE (Located at the top of the hill 1/4 mile on > right (mauka) side past Mama’s Fish House) > > FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10: > > 9:30 a.m.: Rider Meeting, Ho’okipa Beach Park > 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Second Round Main Event > **FREE PARKING AND SHUTTLE (Located at the top of the hill 1/4 mi on right > (mauka) side past Mama’s Fish House) > > SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11: > > 9:30 a.m.: Rider Meeting > 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Third Round Main Event > 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.: Awards/After Party, Haiku > **FREE PARKING AND SHUTTLE from Haiku Cannery Parking Lot: 810 Haiku Rd > > For more information, go to > > > > Josh Kendrick > Red Bull Communication Centre > 310.460.5254 > > go fly a kite...

HKA General Meeting at Ka'a Point 9/28/03 Questions put to the HKA.

Hawaii Kiteboarding Association - Maui Chapter General Meeting, 4pm @ Ka’a Point Sunday, September 28, 2003 Topics for discussion: Kites at the end of the runway, General questions; FAA and the Waiver. Kites at the end of the runway. Why are kites allowed at the end of the runway? Who is policing the no fly zones? Why does the Map have a “flyable area” right at the end of the runway? Who made the decision to have this “Flyable area” at the end of the runway? Who represents the HKA membership to the FAA? *Vote on voluntarily halting kiteboarding at the end of the runway. General Questions Who is the president of the HKA Who are the officers of the HKA? Who is the treasurer? Is the HKA- Maui Chapter incorporated Separately from the HKA? When is the next AGM (annual general meeting)? When was the last AGM? When is the next general election? Who votes on issues concerning the HKA-Maui Chapter? What does the HKA membership fees pay for? Is there a “Treasurer’s report” for HKA expenses? How does the HKA represent its members? FAA and the Waiver When did the HKA meet with the FAA? What happened at the meeting with the FAA? When does the waiver run out? Is the Waiver going to be retracted on October 15th? Does the HKA support the County getting its own waiver? Does the HKA support schools getting their own waivers? If the County gets its own waiver, what will the HKA do with theirs? What has the FAA said about the waiver situation? *Can the HKA please post the answers to these questions on the HKA website.

HKA representatives in attendance were Martin Kirk, Julie Gilbert, Dylan Grafmyre and Pete Siracusa. Martin stated that the HKA advisory board, was just voluntery individuals offering advice. He stated that he and pete siracusa, had met with the FAA (presumably Randle Lum)at the tower on thursday. And the real concern of the FAA was not riders at sprecks but "disunity amongst kiteboarders" and too many "phone calls to the FAA". Martin urged everyone to stop contacting the FAA and deal through the HKA representatives, namely Martin and Pete. Julie said that the HKA had elections years ago and that after the immediate FAA problem was resolved, they would think about holding elections. Julie said that persons wanting to become advisory board members should email Martin, also if they wanted an official position on the HKA. David Dorn stated that he would like to become an advisory board member, and further added that he has been trying to get on the advisory board since january 2003. Several persons said that they should shut down kiteboarding at sprecks to save the rest of the north shore. Martin, Dylan, Pete and Julie were all against shutting down Sprecks. They showed us a sign that will be posted at sprecks to warn off-island kiteboarders of the No-fly zones". Martin said that there were 17 incidents in the last 18months of persons inside the Airport Zone, and they were all tourists. David Dorn said that if disunity amongst kiteboarders was the problem, the HKA should try to be more democratic and inclusive of its members.

Email to Mayor Arakawa September 24, 2003 9:09 AM

Dear Mayor Arakawa, As a frequent visitor to Maui over the past 20 years, and a homeowner in Maui, I wish to draw you personal attention to the dilemma over Kiteboarding on the North Shore. I am a 50 year old physician, president of a medical corporation, medical director at a hospital in California, and former pilot. I am experienced in controversial issues, and politically aware. I am also technically sophisticated. I am like many Maui visitors engaging in Kiteboarding. This sport draws a broad group of peoples, including many with abundant expendable resources, who return to Maui often, and stay prolonged periods. Kiteboarders to Maui are not likely to be the passing tourist on a mere 5 day hotel-package plan. Furthermore, the expenses associated with Kiteboarding are considerable, and support many Maui businesses. Maui is the birthplace of Kiteboarding, and one of the prime places for it in the entire world. Several windsurfing companies and shops have redirected themselves towards this new market, giving them a huge boost at a time when windsurfing has been somewhat stagnant. Windsurfing schools have also joined other Kiteboarding specific schools in order to make new comers' introduction to this exciting sport much safer. Several leading equipment manufacturers' research and development programs are based on Maui, together with their team riders who test the products for market. With the growing popularity of the sport many Maui businesses are experiencing growth and this has carried them through some of the slow periods experienced after 9-11 by other businesses. The recent decision by Air Traffic Control to not support the allowance of Kiteboarders near the airport comes as shock to those of us enthusiastic about the sport. We are confident a safe and reasonable alternative can be found to this regulation. Kiteboard kites fly at a maximum of 100 feet. Kites kept away from the immediate runway access should not be a threat. This is a controllable situation. Please support measures to maintain Kiteboarding, as a new livelihood to Maui, at the same time as guarding public air traffic safety. Sincerely, Merrill Nisam MD Marin, California

Excerpt from HKA email from Martin Kirk September 24, 2003 9:09 AM

"...Many of you may not have been around during September and October of 1999, when FAA enforced its regulations and halted all kiteboarding along the north shore for a little over one month. At that time, riders on Maui formed a committee to address the situation and after a public hearing, FAA officials indicated they would look the other way but would strictly forbid any kiteboarding at the end of the runway in Spreckelsville. After 2 1/2 years of discussions with FAA officials and several threats by this agency to enforce the regulations to stop the sport, FAA issued a waiver in March 2002, making the sport "legitimate". For the past 19 months, HKA has maintained the waiver and has been the sole enforcement agency to keep riders out of this sensitive airline climb path. HKA Maui has received numerous compliments from FAA and Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) staff for our successful efforts to enforce the "No Kiteboarding" zone at the end of the runway. So, we were quite surprised by the recent decision by FAA to rescind the waiver because of safety concerns. Currently, HKA is suggesting changes to the waiver stipulations to offer greater assurances of air traffic safety: 1) 150' altitude of the kite above sea level as opposed to the current 200' limit; and 2) proper signage on the beach at the end of runway to educate the public about the "No Kiteboarding" zone. One of the big challenges has been educating the foreign traveler who shows up with his or her own gear and hops in the rental car and heads out to a beach, which happens to be off limits to the sport. Given we haven't received approval from Airports Division on proposed signs at the end of the runway, we have no way to inform these visitors of this zone. We believe with proper signage, no violations would occur. So, "what can I do", you ask. First, we are encouraging everyone to write letters to the editors of the newspapers in the state (letters@mauinews.com , letters@honoluluadvertiser.com , and letters@starbulletin.com ) and write letters or send emails to Mayor Arakawa's office (200 S. High Street,Wailuku, HI 96793 or alan.arakawa@co.maui.hi.us ) thanking his administration, specifically the Parks Department, for initiating a dialogue with FAA and for considering taking over the waiver. Second, we encourage everyone to rejoin HKA and please encourage your friends who are riding and aren't members to join (brochures with sign up form are in all kite shops in Kahului or you can request one by mail or email). We will know more about the situation and the actual issues this Friday and we will send an update. If a letter writing campaign to FAA, State and US Congressmen, and other government officials is required, we will at that time provide all the email and physical addresses. ..."

Email from David Dorn September 26, 2003

To all Kiteboarders, Schools and Shops, This is everyone's problem and we need your help. The problems that we are experiencing with the FAA are not new, In 1999 Maui kiteboarders met with the FAA and agreed to stay away from the end of the runway. This means no launching or riding at Camp One, Sprecks and Sugar Cove etc. We made this sacrifice to enable kiteboarding to continue on the North Shore. There has been some people who interpret the Faa waiver issued in March 2002, in a way that "allows" them to launch just upwind of the runway and ride upwind. This is not what we agreed to and it is not practical because a kiteboarder can always go downwind from their launch, no matter how skilled they are. There are a few individuals (local residents and friends) who continue to launch and ride in this area. This is the primary reason that the FAA's faith in us has been undermined. Tourists are always going to follow the example of the local riders and launch where they see kites flying. The tourist kiteboarders are not the main concern. Apart from better signage and self policing the no-fly zones, all kiteboarding at the end of the runway should be stopped completely, in order for us to salvage any rights to ride within the airport's five mile radius. This means that the small group of riders that use this area, will have to drive a short distance to kite beach or Lanes. If we do this we may be able to continue riding with the FAA's blessing. If not we could lose the north shore completely (including hookipa). Think about it! Regards David Dorn

Maui News, Sept 2003 There have been several articles in the Maui News and Star Bulitin about the FAA wanting to retract the Waiver. Due to kiteboarders causing disturbances at the end of the runway. They quoted sources within the FAA as saying that kiteboards could disrupt trafic at the airport and cause expensive delays. We have tried to find out if this statement in the Maui News is true. I think that it might be a misunderstanding. So far I have not been able to prove this statement in fact. There is a real possibility that the FAA and the Maui ATC (Airport traffic Controller), Mr. Randy Lum, could cancel our "FAA Waiver" and stop kiteboarding on the north shore within five miles of the airport. This happened before in 1999. The main problem is people kiting at Spreks and Camp One (at the end of the runway). which is not allowed. We are working to fix this problem, but things could get worse before they get better. wish us luck,MKA

Email excerpt attributed to FAA

From: Maui Air Traffic Control Tower > 08/28/2003 02:38 PM > Subject: Re: Kiteboarding OGG > > After researching the issue, Maui Tower does not concur with the issuance > of a waiver(s) to 14 CFR Part 101concerning Kite Boarding operations within > five miles from the Kahului Airport. Air Traffic is concerned about the > lack of ability by the current holder of the waiver to prevent/enforce > violations of the "No Kite Boarding" zone. Mr. Kirk has stated in a Maui > News article, that he will "get the phone call when there is a violation at > the end of the runway." This article, in conjunction with personal > conversations that I have had with him, infer that past violations have > occurred, that he may or may not be at a location that allows him to > remove the violator(s) in a timely manner, and that he might not have not upward > reported the incident to FSDO for sanction. > > Any violation of the waiver can have a potentially significant impact to > the users. If the controller observes or becomes aware of a violation of > the waiver, the tower would be forced to hold all runway 2 departure > operations (mainly air carrier operations) indefinitely until there is > reasonable assurance that the violator is clear of, and will remain outside > of, the prohibited zone. Depending on the time of day, the cost of the > delays to the local and oceanic carriers could be substantial. > > Air Traffic's primary responsibility continues to be the same; to ensure > the safe and orderly movement of air traffic operating in the NAS. > Additionally, runway incursion prevention is of critical importance to the > air traffic division. Any activity that derogates or distracts the > controller from maintaining this objective must be eliminated. > ..............

Email to County regarding closure of Memorial Park Kihei 8/26/03

To: Jo-Anne Johnson, Chairperson Parks Committee. Maui County RE: Maipoinaoeiau Beach Park (Memorial Park) Kihei. It has been brought to my attention that you are again considering the removal of Memorial Park from the permitable beach parks. This goes against your former decision to allow its continued use as a permittable Beach Park. This decision was already reported to the public in the newspaper media. And the County has until now, been shown to be sensitive to the needs of the public and the permit holders. Make no mistake, "safety training" and "beginner supervision" are the very activities that you will eliminate by excluding this park. You have heard the public testimony given before the parks committee, from myself and other prominent watersports activity representatives. Attesting to the importance of Maipoina as a teaching location. These testimonies are a matter of public record. In addition, I have sent several emails to the County outlining the importance of this location. I have also requested a meeting with John Buck to present evidence on our record of safe operation at this site, and to discuss any safety concerns. I am still waiting for his official response. I again request a meeting with yourself and Mr. Buck to discuss this issue. As a long term user of the area, both recreationally and commercially, I have a valuable contribution to make to any discussions pertaining to the use of the park, in addition as President of the Maui Kiteboarding Association and elected member of the Hawaii Kiteboarding Association's Beach Safety Committee, I will also be able to inform you on all the self-regulation measures that are already in effect at this (and other) locations. I trust you will give me fair & equal opportunity to lobby for the preservation or Maipoina Oe Iau Beach Park. Regards, David Dorn

Email to County 8/15/03

Sent: August 15, 2003 10:38 AM Subject: Closure of Beach Parks/ORAP To: County of Maui Dept of Finance. Parks Dept. RE: Closure of Beach Parks The proposed ORAP amendments (Draft 4) list the closure of three more beach parks. In "Prohibitions 13.04.256", Hookipa, Maipoinaoeiau and Puamana Beach Parks will be closed to ORAP holders. This beach closure will be like "rearranging the deck chairs" and not address the issue of overcrowding. Surf School operators will simply shift laterally to the next available areas namely; Kanaha, Kalama, Laniupoko and Front Street Lahaina. Kitesurfing/windsurfing operations from Maipoinaoeiau may be forced to relocate to Kalama & Laniupoko Beach Parks. The proposed "Fee per park, per activity" (13.04.270 B,3.) Creates an Economic Disincentive to spread out, and will in fact force the majority of permit holders to congregate in the "Most Reliable" locations, namely; Kalama Park, Laniupoko and Front Street Lahaina. Please acknowledge the inherent problems with these proposed changes and consider better alternatives. Regards David Dorn

MKA ANNUAL MEETING Maui Kiteboard Association will have an Annual meeting to discuss, new directions and Projects. All members and new interested members are invited to attend. The Date will be July 30, 2003. Venue to be advised.

SCHOOL MEETING 6/25/03 Maui Kiteboard School Meeting for School owners will be meeting @ Starbucks Kahului Wednesday 6/25/03 5:30pm, to discuss School Issues.

HKA REMINDER 6/23/03 The HKA Maui Chapter's President Martin Kirk would like to remind the MKA members that they are riding in violation of his FAA Waiver if they are not also members of the HKA (Maui) Association. The HKA(MAUI) will soon be issuing "identity" cards to riders so that they can prove their membership on the spot (Hopefully they will be waterproof). It is not certain if being a HKA member will qualify you for HKA(Maui) membership if you joined on the HKA's main website because they only have records of who joined on Maui. If you joined one of the other HKA associations, check with Martin to see if you qualify for a HKA(MAUI) identity card.

IKO COURSE, MAY 2003 IKO Instructor Trainer Darren Marshall from Australia came to Maui to run a five day IKO instructor certification course. Darren is one of only eleven people worldwide qualified to run the course. Seven candidates undertook the intensive training. All were very impressed with the quality of the program and Darren's professional manner. Many of the candidates were already active instructors on Maui prior to the course but lacked the IKO certification. The IKO certification allows instructors to be recognized under the HKA's guidelines for teaching on Maui. We would like to thank the Maui County Life Guards for their assistance with the Rescue Boat operation part of the course. Three lifeguards were trained along with the candidates, in kiteboard rescue techniques using a jet ski. We would also like to thank The Kanaha canoe club for the use of the Hale. Darren said that he would be happy to come back to do another course when we have enough candidates. We have started taking names for the next course and will advise when it is to be scheduled.