reef shoe problems

Many years ago someone started making shoes for walking on the reefs of Australia...a spinoff of wet suit booties, and the idea spread.

Since that time it has been found that walking on reefs and ocean floors of rock caused great damage and were killing off the reef and its residents.

Here in hawaii we have a lot of sandy bays and gravel ones... that is the place to wear the shoes to protect you feet against broken coral and lava.

However, in shallow coral areas, like Capt Cook and more importantly Kahalulu bay lagoon... standing anywhere is doing great harm and destruction. What looks plain is not if you were to look carefully.

So please at these shallow reefs...take off your shoes, and put on swim fins, which will not only prevent you fron standing on corals but make it much easier and safer to explore places like Kahalulu bay, where after the sand stops all surfaces are covered with growing life and baby corals...any rock surface...even ones that look steril, will host a ton of life trying to get started... The problem in Kahalulu is it is possibel to stand up in 3/4 of the bay....and people put on these shoes and instead of floating with ease go tromping across a lot of fragile areas....

SO please use the fins, leave the shoes on the beach

we need your help.... Leave nothing but good will, take nothing but pictires, kill nothing but time.

reef shoe problems

amen.

reef shoe problems

Last time I was at Kahalu%26#39;u it looked like almost half of the people in the water were wearing reef runners instead of fins. People were just jumping up and down on the corral.It was sickening. I believe that part of the problem here is the rocky entry so maybe we should just be very specific. There is a small sandy channel where generally only 2 or 3 people can pass at one time. If you stay in that channel you don%26#39;t need reef runners, just courtesy and some caution. This is not the place to play or stop to put on your fins. The channel will lead you to an area of sandy bottom where you can take your time and adjust your equipment. The best way to put on your fins is to float anyway. You will not get sand in them that way.

I think most people just don%26#39;t know or understand the damage they%26#39;re causing. Kahaluu is a well-known ';beginners'; snorkeling spot so I%26#39;m sure many first-timers vist there.

I would support a small parking fee (say $5 per car) to fund an information sheet/handout to help educate the unaware. This could include detailed instructions on how to enter the bay without harm and some common courtesy tips.

Last time we were at two-step, there was a volunteer helping direct people where to enter, and trying to keep the area clear for entry/exit only. Unfortunately he left while we were in the water and the only problem getting out was the morons sitting on the step chatting and blocking the exit!

Amen also to the good description of a fin-donning procedure at Kahaluu! If you LOOK where you are going, it is easy to avoid stepping on rocks with your bare feet.

In answer to the question....'; how about education';, there is now a group called ';Reef Tech'; which sets up a large display,has erected educational signs and has several docents on hand Wed to Sunday to help inform visitors of the proper way to visit the bay.

They have handouts books and displays and can answer qurestions on the bay, hawiian culture, coral and snorkeling in general.

In hotels and on visitor TV are now broadcast a 7 min educational video on how be a good visitor to the ocean..

Sadly the airlines , except for Aloha airlines, have declined to show it to their arriving passengers ( Both United Hawiian and American declined).

Reef Tech is all volunteers.. but it is being supported by the Outrigger Keauhou, NOAA, Hawiian Tourism authority, University of Hawaii and the Girl Scouts, and me.

contact: info@kohalacenter.org / 808-887-6411

If you would like to help in any way contact them.

ask about the Kahalulu Bay Project.

It is hoped over the next year that an underwater snorkel nature trail can be established, and that docent led nature snorkels be established much like the National Parks have at Trunk Bay in the Virgin Islands. and that the more fragile areas be protected.

SO ....please spread the word..if you have ever enjoysd this very rich and stimulating place...of ever intend to.

Thanks....Hawaiidan

by the way there are several ways to enter that have no rocks...just sand... just go north from where you see everything happening ....or stop by the Reef Tech exhibit...

thank you Dan, and thank you MrsBab for the pointers on entry.

Kitty, sheesh about the people chatting and blocking the exit. What is wrong with people ...

but then my last trip to a simple place like Safeway there were people chatting with multiple carts and completely oblivious to the fact no one could continue down the aisles, so why should I expect awareness, people are so caught up in their own little space sometimes.

Great news about the education and possible guided snorkeling!

It drives me crazy at Ke`e Beach here on Kaua`i to see all the people blithely walking around on the reef. And heaven help you if you dare to say anything. I wish they had a full-time ranger or something there.

After reading this I just sent a message to Hawaiian Airlines consumer affairs dept. requesting they reconsider putting the video on their flights. It may be just a tiny little drop in the bucket but if enough drops hit the bottom maybe someone will listen.

Those who want to put in their word you can contact Hawaiian%26#39;s consumer affairs dept. through the web, phone, or standard mail.

*pats pzp on the back*

good idea, Dreamin!

Another thing to tell Hawaiian Airlines:

REMOVE their website recommendation that visitors create more coral graffiti on the Big Island. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Is there contact info for getting the water-friendly video? I%26#39;ll email the airlines, but they won%26#39;t even consider it if there%26#39;s no info given.