New Waikiki surf stand operator faces opposition

The new operator of the Kuhio Beach concession stands that provide surf lessons, board rentals, umbrellas, chairs and canoe rides has encountered resistance from opponents since opening Tuesday.

After almost 46 years at Kuhio Beach, the previous owners of the stands, Star Beachboys and Hawaiian Oceans Waikiki, recently lost their spots on the popular Waikiki beach after the City and County of Honolulu awarded a five-year contract to Dive Oahu.

“The truth is, you have a bunch of new people here, with no experience, taking over a culture going on for over a hundred years,” said a man who identified himself as Maui and said he has been a Waikiki beachboy for 13 years.

Maui was loudly voicing his opinion to Dive Oahu staff on Wednesday afternoon, while recording himself on his phone.

Shelly Rofrits, manager of Dive Oahu, said in the two days since opening the new stands, angry outbursts have been common occurrences.

“We had a couple of people that didn’t like the fact that we’re out here, so we’ve had some complications with that,” she said.

Other incidents include people threatening customers and yelling at workers in the stands, but no vandalism, she said.

A police officer was seen at one of the beach stands Wednesday, waiting to speak with Rofrits, following the incident with Maui. The Honolulu Police Department’s Waikiki substation is located a few hundred feet from one of Dive Oahu’s stands.

HPD spokesperson Michelle Yu said Wednesday that the Honolulu Police Department is not aware of any police reports relating to incidents involving Dive Oahu’s beach stands.

Critics, such as Maui, warn that the new management threatens the beachboy tradition, and are not afraid to let their voices be heard. On May 15, Waikiki beachboys and their supporters rallied in front of the Duke Kahanamoku statue to protest the management change.

The owners of Star Beachboys went to court to stop the change to Dive Oahu. A judge turned down Star Beachboys’ request for a temporary restraining order to halt the switch. The court will take the case up again in July.

Dive Oahu’s setup includes new white surfboards with the Dive Oahu logo plastered on the nose, dark blue umbrellas, beach chairs, and two large canopy tents with the slogan, “Dive Oahu, the Local’s Choice.”

Dive Oahu said it has hired eight Waikiki beachboys. Workers wear blue polos with the Dive Oahu logo and use iPads to carry out transactions, a stark contrast to the previous uniform-less stand operators.

Rofrits said that Dive Oahu plans to have a blessing of the beach Saturday morning.

Christine Donnelly is off. Kokua Line returns Tuesday, June 12.