To Our Maui Community and Respected County Officials,

We are Javier and Christina Cantellops, owners of Maui Dreams Dive Company — a locally owned business that has proudly served Maui for over 25 years. Our mission has always been to share the beauty of Maui’s underwater world, promote ocean safety, and give back to the community we call home.

Since the Lahaina fires, much of our island’s tourism infrastructure has been shaken. Many operators have closed, and we are now one of the few remaining dive shops still standing — ready and willing to support Maui’s recovery. Yet, despite our legacy and the vital services we provide, we have been denied the opportunity to renew our county beach park permits. Ulua Beach, Keawakapu, and Polo Beach Parks are excellent examples of Maui's underwater world and we have now lost access to these beautiful sites for our local divers and visitors alike.

This policy shift threatens more than just our business — it threatens jobs, the quality of visitor experiences, and the very safety of our shores.

When Maui Dreams Dive Company operates at county beaches, we bring a level of professionalism, expertise, and safety that is irreplaceable. Our team has been involved in countless beachside rescues, has supported first responders during emergencies, and has helped ensure that our beaches remain safe and welcoming for all.

We proudly perform critical tank inspections and hydrostatic testing for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the police department, and the fire department. We maintain life-support gear such as full-face masks used in fire and rescue operations. Beyond these essential services, we also lead turtle rescues, coral reef protection efforts, and ongoing underwater cleanups to preserve Maui’s fragile marine ecosystem. Through our mentorship and training, we’ve also helped grow a responsible, passionate diving community that respects the island and its waters.

We believe deeply in operating with respect for local culture, the environment, and community guidelines. We’ve always followed the rules, striving to be a model for what responsible ocean tourism should look like. However, with county permit renewals frozen, we are now limited to operating out of just two state parks — a restriction that severely hampers our ability to serve the community, maintain staff, and remain sustainable in the long term.

We respectfully ask Maui County to reconsider this policy and allow us the chance to renew our permit — not only so we can continue doing the work we’ve done for decades, but so we can help ensure the safety, beauty, and vibrancy of our beaches for generations to come.

If you believe in supporting small local businesses, protecting Maui’s marine environment, and ensuring that our beaches remain safe and welcoming, we ask that you sign this letter and share it with others. Your voice can help restore fairness, preserve essential services, and keep our island's spirit strong.

With aloha and deep gratitude,
Javier & Christina Cantellops
Maui Dreams Dive Company