Since 1984 the Aloha Classic Wave World Championships has been the final event on the Pro Windsurfing Tour attracting over 200 competitors and 5000 spectators each year to Hookipa.
Most of the spectators and competitors, if not all, stayed in Northshore / Upcountry vacation rentals for three-weeks or more during the event. Competitors would also bring their family members to Maui for extended periods while they trained for the event.
This boost to the North Shore economy was one of the reasons the event is so welcomed and supported by the community on Maui.
The event brought worldwide attention and exposure to Maui as a premier windsurfing destination through Television, Print, Internet, Video, and Radio.
But this year, accommodations were difficult to find for competitors, sponsors, and spectators because of the Maui Vacation Rental crackdown that is occurring here on Maui. The crackdown began about a month ago. Many found their reservations cancelled, or they were unable to locate suitable housing on the North Shore. We tried to help find accommodations but were overwhelmed with the logistics and number needed.
Without accommodations for competitors, sponsors and spectators, it is very difficult if not impossible to run a world-class level event on the North Shore.
Accommodations on other parts of the island are not feasible for competitors and would add to the already over-burdened roads with the added traffic congestion.
We were unable to surmount these challenges this year. Tragically, the event is cancelled for this year.
For that, we are greatly disappointed.
However, we are optimistic for 2008 and hope this vacation rental issue will be a thing of the past.
Also, with this kind of lead time we may take matters into our own hands and provide accommodations through host families on island. Its just it’s a great number of people and will be difficult without the availability of rentals.
I would suggest that anyone concerned about the impact of this vacation rental issue should contact the Maui Vacation Rental Association and support their organization and help them fight the good fight. See more here at http://www.mvra.net/
Marc Lefebvre is the Event Director of Aloha Classic Wave World Championships. See more at: http://www.alohaclassicwindsurfing.com
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