Test Period Extended for Ala Moana Paddleboard Corridor

Posted by Wendy Osher

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is extending the test period for the Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) corridor in the waters off Ala Moana Beach Park.  At the end of the six month extension, the department will determine whether the buoy system demarking a voluntary paddling zone should remain or be removed.

File photo by Wendy Osher.

Since its implementation in May, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation has received a mix of comments from swimmers and paddlers alike.  While some argue that stand-up paddleboards should be banned from the area, others say the paddle zone is perfectly suited for the waterway.

“In every popular recreational waterway there will be occasional overcrowding and close calls.  However, these types of incidents between swimmers and paddlers at Ala Moana seem to be on a downward trend,” said DOBOR administrator Ed Underwood.  “It appears that the installation of the SUP corridor may have accomplished the department’s goal of separating the two user groups without creating a set of rules that it could not enforce on a regular basis,” said Underwood.

The extended testing will allow the department to see if there are seasonal fluctuations in user conflicts.

*** If you enjoyed this post, you may also like our story on the state’s $16 million improvement project at Maalaea Harbor on Maui.