Paragliding in paradise, again

Photo: Kahana Valley State Park
Image courtesy of Gravity Sports Hawaii

Once again paragliders are landing at Kahana Valley State Park on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Paragliders were forced to stop flying over a year ago when the increase in their numbers drew the attention of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. State park rules prohibit the use of park property for landing gliders at Kahana Beach.

After a year of meetings and proposals with local community groups and state officials, the Hawaiian Hang Gliding Association has received a 90 day temporary flight permit from the state.

Alex Colby, a board member of the HHGA says, "We hope to show them how easy we are to manage. After the ninety days is up we hope to renew the permit for a longer period. This is the first permit issued by the Department of Land and Natural Resources in this state for free flying. Our club has a hard-won and long-standing permit from private landowners and the county for our site at Makapuu, which served as a helpful precedent in our negotiations with the state."

The previous closure of the beach to paragliding has also closed the commercial training at that location. Pete Michelmore of Gravity Sports says, "We have lost a major place to train, fly tandems, and assist other pilots. Only time will tell, but I'm hoping the state will grant us limited usage commercially at Kahana, if only at first". The current temporary permit does not allow for commercial flights at this time.

For more information on paragliding or hang gliding in Hawaii, check out the Hawaiian Hang Gliding Association's web site.