[Travelandtourism] Governor announces protection for Oahu shorelines

[cheryl echevarria]

published in Travel Weekly.


By: Shane Nelson
June 14, 2010
Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle issued an executive order June 2 establishing 
surfing reserves at two of the world's most famous surf destinations.

The Duke Kahanamoku Surfing Reserve will encompass the breaks off Waikiki 
between the Ala Wai and the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, and the North 
Shore Surfing Reserve will stretch from Alii Beach in Haleiwa to Sunset 
Beach on Oahu's northern coast, home to numerous breaks considered by many 
to be the birthplace of big-wave surfing.

"Hawaii has some of the most famous and beautiful surf sites in the world, 
and its native sons, such as Sen. Fred Hemmings, have deservedly gained 
international recognition in the sport of surfing," Lingle said in a 
statement. "I am pleased we can formally acknowledge the cultural, sports 
and historic significance of surfing in Hawaii."

Designating the surf reserves was an initiative first introduced to the 
state legislature by Hemmings, a former surfing world champion, and 
patterned after a National Surfing Reserves program in Australia. Spread 
across the country, the Australian reserves recognize more than 10 surfing 
destinations because of their environmental, cultural and sporting value to 
the nation.

"Hawaii is the genesis of surfing," Hemmings said. "We must regain the 
cultural and sports leadership of the world of surfing, and surfing reserves 
is a step in that direction."

Later in the week, Lingle also announced that the state's Land Use 
Commission voted unanimously to reclassify a 215-acre stretch of 
southeastern Oahu shoreline from urban to conservation.

"The reclassification should make future development of this portion of the 
Ka Iwi Coast a remote possibility in keeping with the wishes of the East 
Honolulu and greater Oahu community," Lingle said.

Residents living near the region have spent the better part of 20 years 
fighting to protect the coastline from development.
Cheryl Echevarria
Independent Travel Consultant
C10-10646

http://Echevarriatravel.com
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