Public debates fate
of surfing schoolGold Coast residents say the
surfing classes are disruptive,
while others voice support
Hans Hedemann Surf School officials and their supporters defended the business last night against accusations that the school was disturbing the peace for residents of Oahu's Gold Coast.
Some area residents, who spoke at a state Department of Land & Natural Resources meeting, said the state should prohibit commercial activity at Kaimana Beach in Waikiki.
But other attendees said they have no complaints about the school, which teaches group and individual classes daily off Kaimana Beach and at nearby Tongg's Reef off Diamond Head.
Both points of view drew applause from a crowd of more than 100 residents and surfers at the informational meeting at Jefferson Elementary School.
"This is a quality-of-life issue," Alethea Rebman, representing a group of neighbors who live between Kaimana Beach and Diamond Head, told DLNR representatives.
Rebman projected photographs of surf school students and instructors taking up all of the inside Tongg's surf break, walking through a crowded beach, and of parents and friends of students sitting on a seawall that runs behind condominiums that line the coast.
"It's not about putting Hans Hedemann out of business. This type of business would not be established in a residential area in many areas of the city," Rebman said.
"There's noise daily, the swimming area still isn't safe and the public shouldn't be hurt by a business operation," Rebman said.
Hedemann spoke briefly in his school's defense, saying it has "been following rules and regulations set forth by the city and state. ... We're always open to comments on how we can run our surf school better."
His staff passed out a 10-point list of operational guidelines for the school, which includes a promise to keep classes to no more than 15 students per class, with five instructors.
Hedemann acknowledged in November that some classes last summer were as large as 30, including instructors.
Bill Nelson, a resident of the Tahitienne condominiums, said that noise from yelling instructors and students is an issue for retired people who are home all day.
"I'm sure it's a wonderful surf school, but over the years nothing has really changed" in response to residents' complaints about noise, he said.
Nelson suggested that since Hedemann has two other concessions in Waikiki, he should concentrate there "and let the neighborhood go back to being residential."
But the surf school had plenty of support at the meeting.
"Everyone has a right to surf and a right to learn," said Waikiki resident Karen Dawn.
"I'm in support of the surf school and Hans Hedemann in particular. They perform a needed community service in a responsible manner," said Terri Needels, a surfer.
Needels said if rules governing commercial activity at Kaimana Beach need to be updated, she was sure that Hedemann's school could follow them.
"I've observed instructors who are attentive and effective. ... They are safe. There is no excessive noise. They don't use the regular surf spot that others use. And they provide a valuable commercial service."
But Regina Luna, who lives in the Tropic Seas condominiums, said that her main concern is the health of the reef as the numbers of surfers increase.
The reef "is still quite alive and quite important to our state, which has two marine life conservation districts set up there," she said.
If surf school activity continues, instructors need to teach students not to stand on the reef, Luna said.
Steve Thompson, acting DLNR administrator of boating and ocean recreation, said last night's meeting was to gather information about concerns and see if any state regulations governing the use of the area need to be changed. If rule changes are proposed, there would be a formal public hearing on them, he said.