Click the above link to read the full statement released today by DLNR
Sample taken from article follows:
After randomly choosing four companies it turned out three of them are owned by the same person.
DOBOR Assistant Administrator Meghan Statts said, “We knew upfront there was the possibility a single firm, with distinct individual companies established under state statutes, could be awarded all four permits. Seventeen surf companies entered the lottery, and three permits did go to three distinct companies that happen to be owned by the same individual. Under the current rules and laws, as long as the companies were legally established there is nothing, we can do to avoid what seems unfair, especially to surf schools that were not selected during the lottery.”
...
DLNR admits in writing knowledge of the unfair multi-entery issue yet still felt justified to follow through with the flawed lottery process, and goes on further to admit they want to address it in 2024? But not before affecting 9 small local businesses who are now instantly deemed illegal operators at Kahalu'u bay and possibly out of business as of December 4th, 2023.
Reform is needed before ANY lottery permit process is utilized amongst businesses. Especially when entire livelihoods are at stake.