Jet Ski Puna / Hilo??

[Hopefeather]

Aloha to all of you fine folks who grace this forum. We have a couple of friends who are going to be relocating to the Big I via Seattle area. They are interested in possibly starting a jet ski rental business. Is there a market for this sort of business? Any posts would be helpful.

hope

[Carolann R]

Okay I'm no expert but I think Jet Skis are frowned upon...trying to protect the coral reef and turtles surface slowly and are in danger from a swift moving craft like a jet ski. The honu are beloved on the island and there are a few sanctuaries in their honor...anyone else have 2 cents on this one??



Carrie

"The opportunities to reach into the lives of others in an inspiring way arise in countless ways every single day..." Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

http://www.hellophoenix.com/art

[mella l]

While visiting and staying in Hilo, I have noticed very few jet skis on the bay. Lots of canoes, kayaks and paddlers out there.

I'm no expert but perhaps there is a noise ordinance about this on the bay and yes there are great protections for the turtles as they are threatened.

mella l

[punagirl]

Are your friends moving becasue they love Hawaii & BI? If so, I'd suggest looking for another venture. If they are just interested in a jet-ski buisness Florida is a better bet. I kow that was harsh but the last thing the island needs is a jet ski buisness. Besides, I do not think the typical Hilo tourist is interested in jet skis.

Atlanta/Pahoa

[Hopefeather]

I believe they are in the process of planning their move here to the Big Island, and are brainstorming lots of different avenues of possible businesses they could begin with a small investment. I do not think they considered that they would be harming wildlife, and certainly they would never knowingly do so, and I don't believe it has to do with a lack of love for Hawaii. It was a very innocent question! I thought I would ask it here on this forum and relay the responses. This forum has always been very helpful with these sorts of discussions, and I always really appreciate all of the feedback.

hope

[John S. Rabi]

Don't worry people, they most likely would not even get the permit. It took years for the guy who has the jet ski business in Kona to get a license and even with that he had mark off a fairly small area for the jet skiers.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185

[haoleboy]

I'll bet the insurance, maintenance, and staffing problems with any fun motorsports rental business in the US is a PITA. There's better business opportunities out there.

"Gitter done" - Larry the Cable Guy

[Hopefeather]

Great advice, thanks! (Hi John Rabi! Congrats on your award! My husband Paul who poured your cement apron in Leilani says hello and congrats too!)

hope

[Carey]

Hope, this past month I have been spending a bit of time at a friends place above the breakwater in Hilo. There seems to be several "releases" of about 4-6 jet skis throughout many days (and definately on cruise ship days). I have been kayaking in the Wailoa harbor area when private looking trucks have launched jet skis off the ramp.
Do not know if any of this is rental activity, or if it is all private. I do know that the kayak dealer in Hilo also has a rental shop on the Kona side....
I have also seen a couple of guys use the Isaac Hale ramp for Jet skis...do not think that they were using them for Surf tow, as the faces were not that impressive!
I have heard some people in forums say that Jet Skiing may not be welcome, but have not heard that from the boaters I know. Obviously, that would totally depend on how responsible the riders are, and the rental company is. But I can see that this is/could be a way for locals & tourists to enjoy Hilo Bay, and Jet Skis at least don't have anchors & propellers to trash the turtles & mostly lava with coral substrate in the Hilo to Puna waterway.
Aloha, Carey

[Carolann R]

Hope, please don't think I was upset or being mean...the reason I stated that jet skiis frowned upon - several months ago on the dark side forum there was a posting very innocently done with the same EXACT question and they slammed the poster for the "thought" of using jet skiis. I have noticed there are a few subjects which will raise the collective hairs on the Island residents...jet skiis is one of them LOL!


Carrie

"The opportunities to reach into the lives of others in an inspiring way arise in countless ways every single day..." Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

http://www.hellophoenix.com/art