At Ulua and Mokapu beaches, we’ve lately observed four guys hot-dogging and zigzagging on electric hydrofoil surfboards, also known as e-foils. These folks are moving at considerable speed in close proximity to swimmers, divers, canoes and paddlers on stand-up paddle boards.
As far as I know, there haven’t been any collisions or even fatalities yet, but come on, guys! It’s only a matter of time. The e-Foil Four seem to be well aware that their activity is hazardous — they’re wearing crash helmets. Tough luck for anyone they run into.
If it’s true, as I’ve been told, that Jet Skis are prohibited in our waters during whale season, the same ban should apply to e-foils. But honestly, as a common-sense issue of ocean safety, the ban should apply year-round. Please join me in contacting DLNR (243-DLNR, open 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), as well as the Maui Country Department of Parks and Recreation (director Karla Peters, parks.dept@co.maui.hi.us, 270-7230).
Matthew Gurewitsch
Kihei
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