FAA intends to ban
kite-surfing off KahuluiThe ruling threatens business and
tourism on Maui's north shore
WAILUKU, Maui >> The Federal Aviation Administration is grounding kiteboarding on Maui's north shore.
The FAA said the kites, which can soar about 100 feet in the air and tow a surfer, have been interfering with operations at the oceanside Kahului Airport.
Federal restrictions prohibit kites and balloons within five miles of airports, but in 2002 the FAA issued a waiver allowing kiteboarding outside a half-mile of Kahului Airport's Runway 2.
"In the last 18 months, there have been numerous violations of that no-fly zone, and because of that we are rescinding the waiver," FAA spokesman Donn Walker said.
The breaches of the no-fly zone have prevented takeoffs and landings at the airport, he said. It also has distracted air traffic controllers.
"Their job is to maintain a safe air space, and if they're being distracted by kiteboarders that are not supposed to be there, they're not able to do their job," he said.
The waiver is scheduled to be rescinded Oct. 15, effectively prohibiting the sport at beaches from Waiehu to Kuau, although Hookipa Beach Park is believed to be just outside the restricted area.
"It would effectively eliminate kiteboarding on the north shore, and all the shops which are based around the sport would suffer a loss," said Martin Kirk, Maui president of the Hawaii Kiteboarding Association.
Alan Cadiz, president of Hawaiian Sailboarding Techniques, said the ban could affect tourism to the Valley Island.
"If kite surfing was no longer allowed, those people would probably choose another destination that has both," he said.
Meanwhile, Maui County and FAA officials are discussing the waiver repeal.
"We understand the FAA's position and we understand Martin Kirk's position," said Don Couch, executive assistant to Mayor Alan Arakawa. "We'd like to see a resolution to it. We don't want to see an end to the kite-surfing business on Kanaha Beach."
