Growing up in Honokaa, surfing from a young age in Waipi’o till the present day, it’s a way of life for me. The watermen I am today is absolutely tied to the countless hours I’ve spent in the water in Waipi’o.
It has sculpted me and my career as a water safety officer (lifeguard) on this island, which I’ve worked for 17 years!! My 2 kids who also have been surfing Waipi’o for 3-4 years are now no longer able to do so. This healthy, positive, spiritual sport of surfing is now no longer available to them in their back yard, now we’re needing to drive an hour plus to surf.

I am of Hawaiian ethnicity and raised in Waimea, and Waipi‘o has been one of many childhood playgrounds. Growing up in Hawaii Waipi‘o…It’s a local spot We would do all of the activities surfing, hiking, fishing etc. I believe ocean access should never be denied to local Hawaiian families anywhere in the state of Hawaii. The ocean is a key element to sustaining an islander’s lively hood. Whether it’s for play, work, food gathering etc. If authorities continue to restrict access to this life source we will forget who we are. And Hawaii will not be Hawaii anymore. If we need to help to rebuild roads, monitor fishing grounds, come together as a community to better restore overused areas, to make them sustainable resources…then let’s do it. Don’t just red tape it.

Waipiʻo is important to me in so many ways, but at the top of the list, as an educational resource for raising my son.