The Board of Land and Natural Resources recently issued a hefty $35,000 fine to Janell Jensen, the owner of Ohana Kayak Rentals, for multiple violations related to running an unauthorized kayak rental business. Operating out of her home garage near Kaneohe Bay, Jensen’s business was found to be in breach of Hawaii law, which prohibits kayak rentals within 1,000 feet of the bay’s shoreline.
According to the Board’s ruling, Jensen’s operation was not only in proximity to the shoreline but also violated regulations that prohibit commercial ocean activities on Sundays and federal holidays at Kaneohe Bay. Testimony from Leimana DaMate, the executive director of Hawaii State Aha Moku, confirmed that Jensen was observed renting kayaks on these restricted days.
Following complaints from neighbors about Jensen’s business, the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation launched an investigation, enlisting the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement to look into the matter. Undercover operations revealed that Jensen was falsely directing customers to a public beach access near her residence for kayak rentals.
Despite receiving a cease-and-desist letter from DOBOR in October 2023 and subsequent citations from DOCARE in February 2024 for operating without a permit, Jensen persisted in running her business. At a Board meeting, Jensen expressed her lack of understanding of the regulations, stating that she believed her home-based operation did not require a permit.
During the meeting, community members lodged complaints about the disruptive nature of Jensen’s business on the neighborhood and Kaneohe Bay. DaMate, representing Hawaii State Aha Moku, highlighted the adverse impact on Native Hawaiian fishing and gathering rights due to the presence of kayaks in the area.
Notably, Jensen was found to direct customers to Ahu o Laka, known as the sandbar, on restricted days, further exacerbating the situation. The Board unanimously decided to levy the maximum fines against Jensen for the violations, emphasizing the need to uphold regulations and protect the local environment and community.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke, reporting for Spectrum News Hawaii, covers the developments surrounding the Board’s enforcement actions on illegal watersport businesses. For more news and updates on local regulations and environmental conservation efforts, reach out to Michelle at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.
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