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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
<strong>BEATING THE HEAT</strong> | Beachgoers took advantage of a beautiful day on the Windward side Monday as kayakers made their way up Kaelepulu Pond outlet near Kailua Beach Park.
Two of Kailua’s most popular beach parks will be off limits to commercial activities on Sundays and a portion of Saturdays under a bill passed by the Honolulu City Council today in Kapolei.
The council voted 9-0 to pass Bill 5.
More than 20 Kailua residents testified in support of the bill, calling it necessary to get some relief from a growing number of kayaking, surfing, snorkeling and other vendors that flood Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park.
Councilman Ikaika Anderson, who represents Windward Oahu, said the bill is designed to "balance" commercial interests with the recreational needs of Kailua residents.
Councilman Romy Cachola cited concerns raised by citizens said shutting down commercial activity at one beach would just push such enterprises elsewhere on the island. "Before you know it, it’s all over the place," Cachola said.
City Parks Director Gary Cabato said he is working on establishing rules that would allow for up to two commercial contractors to operate at the beach parks.
