Aloha,
This is a petition to get the support of the community to increase Hanalei's current boating permit cap. There is a high demand for an increase in boat tour companies here on the North Shore and the current permitting process does not allow for the next generation, like myself, to have the opportunity to start a business. The only current option is to purchase an already existing boat company from one of the owners who moved here a long time ago for "the right price" which I'm told would be roughly close to a million dollars. I would like the same opportunity that was given to others before me to start up my own company and capitalize on the overflow of business that goes to waste each year. Business that could be going towards more locals by providing more boating jobs to skilled and experienced locals like myself. With the current permit limit I do not feel that myself and others are being given the same chance to prosper and there has been no new opportunities given to any of the current generation of waterman to start up a business for themselves the way the current boat owners received. Since the last permits were issued for Hanalei years and years ago, tourism has increase exponentially on the island, the cost of living has skyrocketed, and with this a demand for higher paying jobs and business for local people.
I believe that Hanalei's environment can handle more commercial boats. There are roughly 20 commercial boat companies running out of Kekaha with an after the fact permit cap at 10. In contrast, there are only 5 out of Hanalei and 2 out of Anini, which does not come close to addressing the amount of tourists here on the North Shore. By allowing more permits for Hanalei not only would it provide more locals with the opportunity to address an underserved part of the market here on the North Shore, it will also help to alleviate some of the traffic on our main highway by not forcing visitors to drive all the way across the island to the Westside as a last resort to get on a boat tour. There is a long history with boating out of Hanalei, and at one point a long time ago perhaps there were too many boat tour boats operating out of Hanalei river (approximately 35), taking up parking, operating with 2-stroke engines that are harmful to the environment, etc. But today, the amount is too little, and there is a need for more jobs throughout the community. The modern engines being used today are 4-stroke engines that are much more efficient with barely any emissions. As tourism grows and the demand for outdoor experiences increases, opportunities should be presented to those who possess the experience to deliver quality authentic service.
I feel strongly about this issue because young people like myself find fewer and fewer opportunities to make a living here at home. I feel that those in my generation who were born and raised here have been slighted as old regulations make it increasingly difficult to use our natural skills and experience. Skills that would allow us to make an honest income for ourselves to support our families and our community. I'm asking for a fair shot and I'm pleading that there be a change in policy so that people like myself with extensive ocean knowledge, history, and experience be given an equal opportunity like others before me were given.
Please help me if you can by signing this petition, and helping to get others to sign it. Mahalo in advance!
ALOHA
Updates
December 14, 2018
The feedback I have received from other local watermen confirms that this barrier to entry is felt across our entire community. I am currently reaching out to local officials to ensure this conversation remains on their radar while we continue to organize. It is vital that the next generation has a seat at the table when decisions about our waters are made.
December 14, 2018
Seeing this level of support confirms that our community recognizes the need for fair access to these opportunities. This momentum demonstrates that the next generation deserves a genuine path toward local entrepreneurship and stable livelihoods.
27 Comments
Additional permits should be considered as the need grows and priority given to local long time residents.
I fully support increasing the boating cap so younger generation native Hawaiians can recieve permits and continue to share their aloha and knowledge about our island.
I support one or two more boat companies out of Hanalei . But they must be owned by Local people . Born and raised . Because living in a community where Money talks and Locals rights walk. It’s hard to even make enough money to survive here with a Family . A lot of our friends and family have to move to America to survive. We need to put a change to this .
I believe that the permits should not be monopolized by a very few who seem to be greedy. There should be a slow increase with maybe a short course required for Marine Biology and Environmental Protection. Or a test of some kind. And or the permits should be on a seasonal rotation with new opportunities for the next generation. Every 5 years or so there should be a selection of new permits considered. That only seems reasonable. I feel strongly about Stephens ability and natural need to provide for his family and community. He and probably several other boating professionals and small business owners should have equal opportunity if the requirments to receive permit are met. Plus who wants a grumpy old pirate captain when you can have a young athletic fun one instead! :)
I agree that there should be a more even playing field as far as permit aquisition. Even if they issue more, people will come from far and wide to bid on them. Many people realize the value of the permits. The DLNR permit practices are outdated and Underwood knows it. With the right lawyer you could have the whole thing be forced into being restructured. Permits issued by the state can’t be perpetual. The state is required to put out an RFP every X amount of years by the law. Similar to The Beach Boys permit on Oahu. This gives everyone an opportunity to have a chance at it every X amount of years. If you dig enough and read the law you could possibly create an opportunity. Either way you’re going to need BIG money to get a permit.
For local residents only who be been here longer than 21 years!
Good luck braddah
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Aloha,
This is a petition to get the support of the community to increase Hanalei's current boating permit cap. There is a high demand for an increase in boat tour companies here on the North Shore and the current permitting process does not allow for the next generation, like myself, to have the opportunity to start a business. The only current option is to purchase an already existing boat company from one of the owners who moved here a long time ago for "the right price" which I'm told would be roughly close to a million dollars. I would like the same opportunity that was given to others before me to start up my own company and capitalize on the overflow of business that goes to waste each year. Business that could be going towards more locals by providing more boating jobs to skilled and experienced locals like myself. With the current permit limit I do not feel that myself and others are being given the same chance to prosper and there has been no new opportunities given to any of the current generation of waterman to start up a business for themselves the way the current boat owners received. Since the last permits were issued for Hanalei years and years ago, tourism has increase exponentially on the island, the cost of living has skyrocketed, and with this a demand for higher paying jobs and business for local people.
I believe that Hanalei's environment can handle more commercial boats. There are roughly 20 commercial boat companies running out of Kekaha with an after the fact permit cap at 10. In contrast, there are only 5 out of Hanalei and 2 out of Anini, which does not come close to addressing the amount of tourists here on the North Shore. By allowing more permits for Hanalei not only would it provide more locals with the opportunity to address an underserved part of the market here on the North Shore, it will also help to alleviate some of the traffic on our main highway by not forcing visitors to drive all the way across the island to the Westside as a last resort to get on a boat tour. There is a long history with boating out of Hanalei, and at one point a long time ago perhaps there were too many boat tour boats operating out of Hanalei river (approximately 35), taking up parking, operating with 2-stroke engines that are harmful to the environment, etc. But today, the amount is too little, and there is a need for more jobs throughout the community. The modern engines being used today are 4-stroke engines that are much more efficient with barely any emissions. As tourism grows and the demand for outdoor experiences increases, opportunities should be presented to those who possess the experience to deliver quality authentic service.
I feel strongly about this issue because young people like myself find fewer and fewer opportunities to make a living here at home. I feel that those in my generation who were born and raised here have been slighted as old regulations make it increasingly difficult to use our natural skills and experience. Skills that would allow us to make an honest income for ourselves to support our families and our community. I'm asking for a fair shot and I'm pleading that there be a change in policy so that people like myself with extensive ocean knowledge, history, and experience be given an equal opportunity like others before me were given.
Please help me if you can by signing this petition, and helping to get others to sign it. Mahalo in advance!
ALOHA
Updates
December 14, 2018
The feedback I have received from other local watermen confirms that this barrier to entry is felt across our entire community. I am currently reaching out to local officials to ensure this conversation remains on their radar while we continue to organize. It is vital that the next generation has a seat at the table when decisions about our waters are made.
December 14, 2018
Seeing this level of support confirms that our community recognizes the need for fair access to these opportunities. This momentum demonstrates that the next generation deserves a genuine path toward local entrepreneurship and stable livelihoods.
27 Comments
There should always be equal right when it comes to anything especially when a young person is trying to start their own business not waiting or wanting to get instant fame off of some social media site things like this need to be encouraged and allowing both companies to monopolize the market is grossly injustice
Additional permits should be considered as the need grows and priority given to local long time residents.
I fully support increasing the boating cap so younger generation native Hawaiians can recieve permits and continue to share their aloha and knowledge about our island.
I support one or two more boat companies out of Hanalei . But they must be owned by Local people . Born and raised . Because living in a community where Money talks and Locals rights walk. It’s hard to even make enough money to survive here with a Family . A lot of our friends and family have to move to America to survive. We need to put a change to this .
I believe that the permits should not be monopolized by a very few who seem to be greedy. There should be a slow increase with maybe a short course required for Marine Biology and Environmental Protection. Or a test of some kind. And or the permits should be on a seasonal rotation with new opportunities for the next generation. Every 5 years or so there should be a selection of new permits considered. That only seems reasonable. I feel strongly about Stephens ability and natural need to provide for his family and community. He and probably several other boating professionals and small business owners should have equal opportunity if the requirments to receive permit are met. Plus who wants a grumpy old pirate captain when you can have a young athletic fun one instead! :)
I agree that there should be a more even playing field as far as permit aquisition. Even if they issue more, people will come from far and wide to bid on them. Many people realize the value of the permits. The DLNR permit practices are outdated and Underwood knows it. With the right lawyer you could have the whole thing be forced into being restructured. Permits issued by the state can’t be perpetual. The state is required to put out an RFP every X amount of years by the law. Similar to The Beach Boys permit on Oahu. This gives everyone an opportunity to have a chance at it every X amount of years. If you dig enough and read the law you could possibly create an opportunity. Either way you’re going to need BIG money to get a permit.
For local residents only who be been here longer than 21 years!
Good luck braddah
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There should always be equal right when it comes to anything especially when a young person is trying to start their own business not waiting or wanting to get instant fame off of some social media site things like this need to be encouraged and allowing both companies to monopolize the market is grossly injustice