“Feral soft-top anarchy” predicted on iconic Waikiki as Hawaii’s Land Board repeals requirement for surf instructors to be permitted!

Yikes!

Any surfer worth his, or her salt, has certainly made pilgrimage to Oahu’s Waikiki. Oh, I know that the strip of fine sand, fronted by crystalline waves, abutted by a menagerie of hotels from various eras, on Honolulu’s southwest is not everyone’s cup of tea but its historical importance is without shade or shadow. Kings and queens used to ride those soft lulls breaking in the shadow of Diamond Head. Duke Kahanamoku, and various beachboys, establishing the very idea of “surf culture” on the sand.

Well, as Waikiki grew into a very popular tourist destination with more and more and more steaming, then flying, across the Pacific to relax and maybe try some of the surfing for themselves, the beachboys became savvy businessmen, paddling the corn fed into the soup, giving them a taste of real life.

Those who provided surf, canoe or catamaran lessons had, for decades, been required to carry a “blue card” provided by the State that ensured they were qualified in “first-aid, safety and hospitality” though, days ago and in a shock decision, Hawaii Land Board has repealed the stipulation.

Per Hawaii News Now:

Testifiers at Thursday’s board meeting said the beach needs regulation and experienced operators.

“Businesses can be created in months,” said Clyde Aikau, surf legend and Waikiki Beachboy. “Waikiki beachboy expertise, which we have, has been going for over 50 years.”

Brian Adam of Moku Hawaii Surf Shop said, “The beach has turned into a bit of a free for all. There’s guys renting surfboards umbrellas doing cash deals.”

The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation now plans to work with operators to develop new regulations.

But what do you think will happen on those sands have descended into anarchy? Iowa VALs drowning en masse?

Erik Logan becoming beachboy himself?

Yikes.