Maui County Moves to Regulate Hydrofoils

Jade Eckardt
·2 min read
1

Hydrofoils offer surfers a way to have fun beyond traditional wave riding.

Although talented watermen like Kai Lenny make them look easy, the average Joe on a hydrofoil in a crowded lineup can be a little scary for the rest of us.

Last week, residents of Maui County petitioned to regulate foils following a resolution introduced by Councilmember Tamara Paltin, which asks for the state to monitor them and mandate where they can be used.

Community organization Kāko'o Haleakalā announced the petition via the post above, captioning it:

➡️ What: Maui County Council GREAT committee ➡️ E Foils

➡️ SUPPORT : Submit commit

🚫Should DLNR be giving out commercial permits at Ka’anapali Beach and other beaches in Maui for tourists to threaten the lives of our keiki, swimmers, fishers, divers, surfers, and marine life?

😳Electric foil boards are motorized watercraft with a mast, wing and propeller that can travel 20 to 28 mph.

😳This watercraft is serious threat and potentially fatal to humans and marine life. It’s like flying through the water with a submerged samurai sword!

😳Swimmers at Ka’anapali have nearly been run over by inexperienced tourists on these boards. See what happens when an hydro foil board hits you in the face.

✅Join us and support the Maui County Council to urge the State to pass legislation to regulate this activity as a thrill craft, like has been done for jet skis.

The petition gained 245 signatures before it closed. You can read a few below:

"I am a constituent of West Maui and I oppose allowing hydrofoils in areas where there are swimmers. They should be limited to other locales where they can't hurt people or ocean life."

"There are no more injuries by efoils than there are of any other water activity. This is rich people trying to control the water."

"As a physician, I believe all foils, especially efoils are dangerous to other ocean users. I have seem numerous injuries caused by foils and efoils."

"There should be more rights for locals and fisherman. Commercial activity should be regulated."

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