RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the world-famous beachboys serve a distinct purpose on Hawaii's beaches by perpetuating the Hawaiian culture; maintaining the integrity of beaches and surrounding areas; sharing an in-depth knowledge of ocean currents, wave actions, canoeing, surfing, ocean survival and life-saving techniques; and continuing a traditional Hawaiian familiarity with the sea that has been passed down from generation to generation; and

WHEREAS, this type of knowledge was exemplified by Hawaii beachboys Eddie and Clyde Aikau, whose ocean expertise and master skills in lifeguarding, canoeing, sailing, and diving earned them renown as the finest "big-wave riders" in the world; and

WHEREAS, beachboys versed in the Hawaiian tradition compose a class of uniquely skilled experts who are true ambassadors of Hawaii's beaches; and

WHEREAS, C&K Beach Service, Inc., owned by Clyde Aikau and Kim Higa, has operated a beach concession at Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki since 1977; and

WHEREAS, recently, however, the Department of Land and Natural Resources has opened the beach concession market at Duke Kahanamoku Beach for bid and, as such, C&K Beach Service, Inc., had their beach concession permit of over 25 years revoked; and

WHEREAS, C&K Beach Service, Inc., offers lessons in canoeing, sailing, and ocean knowledge; donates the use of surfboards, sailboats, and other ocean equipment; volunteers lifeguard services to elementary schools; and provides stable employment and benefits to Hawaii's beachboys; and

WHEREAS, C&K Beach Service, Inc., has also saved thousands of lives and spared the State millions of dollars in claims for damages through its lifeguard services at Duke Kahanamoku Beach; and

WHEREAS, in light of the many years of various services the company has provided this state, C&K Beach Service, Inc., should be allowed to continue its occupancy at Duke Kahanamoku Beach; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, the Senate concurring, that the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) is urged to enter into lease negotiations with C&K Beach Service, Inc., for the operation of a beach concession at Duke Kahanamoku Beach; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that BLNR is further urged to cease its request for bid proposals for beach concession services and subsequent lease at Duke Kahanamoku Beach; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and chair and members of BLNR.

Report Title:

BLNR; Lease Negotiation; C&K Beach Service, Inc.