HONOLULU — State regulators in Hawaii are considering limits on stand-up paddleboards off certain beaches on Oahu’s south shore to resolve disputes with surfers.
The proposal by the Department of Land and Natural Resources would prohibit stand-up paddleboards, surf kayaks and other watercraft propelled by paddle at designated surf zones from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports Safe Surf Hawaii, a group of surfers, body-boarders and bodysurfers, supports rule changes to address “wave-hogging” problems caused watercraft with paddles.
The group says it’s a safety issue.
The department is discussing a one-year pilot program with the new limits in surf zones defined as a location within 25 yards of a breaking wave that’s at least 2 feet tall or higher.