Kaanapali Beach
sales require permits

The state Land Board approves
guidelines for firms operating
on the west Maui beach

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By Diana Leone
dleone@starbulletin.com

The state moved closer to determining how many kayaks, surfboards, beach chairs and cabanas can be rented on Kaanapali Beach without obstructing public access.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved guidelines yesterday for commercial activity permits on public land at the west Maui resort area.

Dan Davidson, deputy director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, called the rules "a way to both limit and regulate commercial activity on the beach."

The no-cost permits will be in addition to state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation permits already required for operating water sports rentals and surf schools.

All commercial operators on the beach will be required to:

>> Remove all equipment from the beach between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

>> Carry a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance.

>> Certify water sports employees in first-aid techniques.

>> Be in good standing with other Department of Land and Natural Resources rules and regulations.

>> Hold a valid state tax certificate.

The intent of the new permits is to thin out what some beach-goers had complained was an overdose of businesses vying for a limited amount of space.

At one point this summer, three vendors had tents lined up next to each other in front of the Kaanapali Alii condos, said Jeff Halpin with the Kaanapali Alii.

"Kaanapali is one of the top beaches in America," said Mike Kelley, of Maui Beach Activities, and shouldn't look like a "tent city."

Land Board member Kathryn Inouye cautioned that a permit allows a commercial operator to use the public beach -- but not to monopolize it.

Davidson said there are between six and eight ocean recreation permits, but until now no limits on commercial activity on the beach. Permit applications will be accepted starting Monday, he said, and "as each individual permit request comes in, we'll limit the number of cabanas, umbrellas or beach chairs that any particular permittee is allowed."