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Kailua residents
flock to meeting
on kite surfing

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By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

The issue of kite surfing at Kailua Beach Park took off last night at the Kailua Neighborhood Board.

But a Sept. 18 meeting of its Parks and Recreation Committee at nearby Kalama Beach Park may bring the issue back to earth.

The neighborhood board took no position last night on kite surfing and may act on the issue in October or November, said Chairwoman Faith Evans.

The board heard 11 speakers -- some for, some against kite surfing. Nearly 100 attended the meeting at Kailua Recreation Center.

Those objecting said kites falling on swimmers and sun bathers and in nearby yards and trees are dangerous.

Advocates said such things usually happen only with beginners, not experienced kite surfers and that kite surfers are always courteous if they need to go in someone's yard to retrieve a kite.

Later, board member Charles Prentiss told Will Ho, Windward District parks manager, that he strongly objects to kite surfers giving lessons at the park without city permits. "We're investigating right now whether there's a violation of the city ordinance," Ho said.

Beachfront homeowner Joe Gilman told the board that lines from kites to surfboards are 40 meters or less in length. People have to watch when walking on the beach, as taut lines can cut like a knife, he said.

"I would like the board or the parks people to be aware of what's gong on out there."

Gilman said some certification or controls need to be put on kite surfing. Waimanalo Beach Park might be a better spot for it as it has a wider setback from the ocean, he said.

Diane Cirincione, a clinical psychologist, said kite surfers are too dense and dominant at Kailua Beach and endanger other beach-goers. She saw a man lying on the beach hit in the chest by a falling kite, she said.

"The issue is, if they fall on the property, you know, we're responsible." Not only that, kite surfers are killing beach vegetation, she said.

Eric Eck said Kailua has the most beautiful beach in the world and asked everyone to work together to find a solution.

Dr. David Kaminskas, a physician with a beachfront home who also is a kite surfer, called it a new and beautiful, non-polluting sport. As it utilizes tradewinds and surf, it's a natural for Hawaii, he said.

"I hope we won't deny the essence of the beautiful place that we are fortunate to call home."

Enthusiasts come here from around the world to take part and this helps the economy, he said.