Yesterday a meeting was held at the Kanaha Beach Canoe Club (Hale Wa'a). To discuss conflicts between outrigger canoe paddlers and kitesurfers that use the area.

The issue of improved signage was raised. The existing signs were said to be confusing and no longer relevant to the status quo. Some of the older kiteboarders remembered the former agreements that were made with the canoe paddlers. David Dorn, owner of Action Sports Maui Kiteboarding school and kiteboarding association founder said that at the original meeting with paddlers in 2000, a one year trial agreement was put in place. Where the kiteboarders volunteered not launch at specific times when the “Summer Pals” kids program were using the area. The time restrictions kept kiters out of the water during peak canoe times. However, it was immediately evident that this approach did not work well, because there were too many days when the kitesurfers could not launch, even though there were no canoes on the water at all. The time-restrictions were replaced with a standard 200 foot clear-zone that kitesurfers were required to maintain around canoes at all times. Testimony from kiters and paddlers highlighted the need to maintain the safety of paddlers while allowing reasonable access to kitesurfers. A committee of paddlers including Sharon Balidoy and kiters including Joel Richman president of the MKC will discus ways to better inform all kitesurfers to stay clear of the canoes, and the possibility of increasing the clear-zone around the canoes. The representatives of the newly formed Maui Kitesurfing Community association said they would work on the sign issue with the canoe Club, and then submit their recommendations to Mr. Bob Straub of the Parks Department.