|
Gathering Place
 Rob Farrow |
Let’s stop the exploitation
of fragile coastal areasI would like to compliment reporter Diana Leone for taking the initiative in covering an issue that truly affects the community and so many residents, athletes, beach-goers and the general welfare of the ocean -- our greatest resource and asset ("Kaimana Beach surf school gets swell of protest," Star-Bulletin, Nov. 9).
This is not an attack on any of the surf schools in the area but is more about the future use of these areas. Unfortunately, through the problems of poor behavior and abuse of the areas by the surf schools, the schools have become the catalyst of the current problems. I personally would like to avoid placing blame or citing faults of an individual (in this case, surf school owner Hans Hedemann) in this debate because I believe there is a much larger problem at hand that deserves attention.
However, it is an unfortunate fact that the current situation exists primarily because of the surf schools in question. They alone have created a huge problem not only for the residents of the Gold Coast but also for the surfers, swimmers, ocean enthusiasts and members of the Outrigger Canoe Club and Elks Club.
The arguments being made against the businesses in question are with regard to the ethics, permits, insurance, property damage, usage rights and abuse of certain residential areas. Unfortunately, the surf school business is not about perpetuation of the sport of surfing through education and instruction; it is about capitalizing on the trend at the expense of an area zoned noncommercial. Surf schools have made handsome profits by operating in the ambiguity of the zoning codes and at the expense of a residential community, a fragile ecosystem and a local surf break.
Surfing once was the sport of kings. Now it is has become a giant commercial entity throughout the world. One thousand surf schools now operate in the United States and there is no real end in sight. This argument is not about one surf school or one individual; it is about the use and abuse of noncommercial lands and ocean recreation areas for use by private and commercial organizations. We need to stop and take a look at the truly valuable, fragile and wonderful things that make Hawaii so special and the reason surfing was once a sport reserved for the alii, and try to pass on the lineage of that spirituality in all aspects of business and cultural exchange here. This concept appears to have been lost on many of today's businesses here in Hawaii, replaced with greed and a lack of corporate conscientiousness. It is amazing to me what can be justified for the dollar today in Hawaii.
The argument against the surf schools and the commercial exploitation of truly noncommercial coastal areas is more about the preservation of Hawaii and the Hawaiian cultures we value so greatly. It is about protecting the future and controlling the irresponsible growth, abuse and destruction of our natural resources. It is about stewardship of the aina and responsibility to our community. It is unfortunate that individuals and their businesses have to be cited and will suffer, but it is a battle worth fighting and one that cannot afford to be lost.
I do respect and admire Hans as both a surfer and an entrepreneur. But please, let's try not to bend facts and distort issues by citing family lineage, irrelevant community service, professional accolades and civic club endorsements when it comes to preservation of public lands. These are all valuable facets of an individual's character and a corporation's culture but they do not serve as the substance to ignore the concerns, abuse and damage a business can cause a residential community, an ecosystem and a sport that is truly Hawaii.
Rob Farrow is a professional surfer and business consultant.
