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KANALU K38 is a Hawai'ian based boating safety, education and media/event management company that provides NASBLA (National Association of Boating Law Administrators) programs.

KANALU K38 is dedicated towards saving lives and expanding horizons through public and occuapational boating safety courses that are designed for real world applications using Jet Skis, Waverunners, Sea Doos and Aquatrax trademark brands of Personal Watercraft (PWC). For occupational use: Rescue Water Craft (RWC).

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PWC Power Struggle

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FOLLOW UP TO PWC POWER STRUGGLE

Darrick Doerner + Tom Stone speak out on PWC use in Hawaii

By: Dean Luke

June 25, 2009

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The primary intent of the story PWC POWER STRUGGLE was to shine a light on the state laws restricting channel crossings between the Hawaiian Islands.

Tow surfing is but one PWC usage type in Hawaii, but because of its high visibility and explosive growth, it's the one that could have the most unfavorable influence on whether or not these laws can be revised to accommodate interisland travel. Hoards of uncertified users and a few well-publicized accidents could smear any effort to legitimize the craft for any other kind of purpose.

Last year, Tom Stone and Darrick Doerner went to Molokai for an informal community meeting to exchange dialogue and ideas, and share whatever information they had on these pressing issues. Also present at the meeting were representatives from The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and residents of Molokai. In the wake of the initial "PWC POWER STRUGGLE" article and the backlash that ensued, both Surfline and I thought it appropriate to print a follow up. Tom and Darrik, however, were the only party willing to contribute to the piece; the DLNR did not return my calls, and out of respect for their community, my contacts on Molokai declined comment.

Nonetheless, it should be understood that in no way, shape, or form, are either Tom or Darrick advocating or promoting the wholesale invasion of Molokai by PWC's or tow surfers. They are proponents of proper training, national level certification, and common sense etiquette to ensure that PWC use of any kind isn't blackballed in the future because of a few very preventable incidents. In this follow up, Tom and Darrick clarify their positions and details on the situation in Hawaii.

What may have readers misunderstood about the article?
Tom Stone: That I'm not a "tow surfer" by definition, and the article made me appear to be one. If there ever was a ban on tow surfing in Hawaii, it wouldn't affect me much.

"Most of the misunderstanding was that we were trying to change the rules that were already there, so that we could promote commercialization of PWC's in their areas. This was not our intent and it never would be."

-- Darrick Doerner on what readers most commonly misunderstood about the initial "PWC POWER STRUGGLE" article

Have you ever tow surfed?
TS: Yes, but haven't in a long time. The only way PWC's relate to my surfing is that on occasion, I may get dropped off at a surf spot, where I ride my traditional Hawaiian wood boards.

So how would you describe your interest in PWC's at this point?
TS: I view my PWC as a type of boat and a tool that I use for work purposes and travel between islands. It's a Class A, four stroke boat.

You're a great believer in training and certification. How are you helping this movement?
TS: Some of the earliest PWC training courses in Hawaii provided classroom training only, and certification was easier to acquire. We're not just about PWC's for tow surfing, we include national level education and certification on boating regulations and etiquette in the classroom and field, in open ocean and surf zone environments.

What concerns you the most with the current situation?
TS: The issue for me was and still is the assumed restriction on PWC travel in Hawaiian waters. This is a state issue, not a county issue, and should be addressed accordingly. We're trying to help fix a problem that already existed. On a personal level, I have cultural rights (as a native Hawaiian) and should be able to exercise them.

Based on the ones you've spoken with, how have Molokai locals reacted to the issue?
TS: I have many friends and relatives there who don't have any problems with me landing on Molokai with my PWC. I've never been approached or harassed by anyone, and I should not be prohibited from stopping on or passing Molokai.

***

In general, what did readers misunderstand about the article?
Darrick Doerner: Most of the misunderstanding was that we were trying to change the rules that were already there, so that we could promote commercialization of PWC's in their areas. This was not our intent and it never would be. We made the journey to Molokai just to listen and to learn, no harm intended, no harm done to anyone. Our reputations are built on safety first, and it's an educational component built on 35 years of lifesaving skills learned from saving people's lives from all over the world.

Although not ethnically Hawaiian, you're a long time and respected Kamaaina who's very aware of the unspoken rules of Hawaiian culture and respect. What would you like people, especially those from Molokai, to know?
DD: Number one is that I would like to apologize if I have offended anyone in Hawaii for my presence on Molokai. I am a long time Hawaii resident who loves Hawaiian culture and its people's ways of sharing and giving. I was taught by all my Hawaiian friends and family that if you give respect, you receive respect.

The use of PWC's and tow surfing in Hawaii is accelerating rapidly. What should be done to provide some control and management, so that PWC use in Hawaii isn't legally compromised by overcrowding and improper use?
DD: When we first brought PWC's to Hawaii, they were for lifeguarding purposes only! What normally took us 30 minutes to accomplish, now took us only 30 seconds. It saved lives, and was accepted very well by the public when used by strictly trained rescue personnel and highly qualified lifeguards in surf areas.

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Rules To Live By: Simple PWC Etiquette
- The number one rule is where and/or when there are (paddle) surfers, go someplace else!
- If you cannot paddle into large surf, you shouldn't go there because you could be endangering other experienced surfers' lives.
- Get boating education and learn the regulations.
Exercise etiquette with Mother Nature's resources and cultural areas.
- Get classroom and field training in both open ocean and surf zone conditions.
- Be able to run a mile and swim a mile within 20 minutes.
When in doubt, DO NOT go out!
- Do not disrespect Mother Nature.
- Know your equipment, understand your equipment, and don't disrespect it or people will start dropping like flies.

Any positive feedback can be sent direct to Dean Luke at info@DDSEA.com.

http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/follow-up-to-pwc-power-struggle_27939/

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