Robert Twogood, an Oahu resident with a history of leading kayaking excursions, found himself in hot water with authorities after taking 21 people out on a kayaking trip without a commercial permit. The outing, which Twogood claims was a non-commercial Meetup event he’s hosted for 30 years, took a turn for the worse when rough ocean conditions put some participants in danger, requiring intervention from Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) cited Twogood for the illegal excursion, citing concerns about unlicensed tour operators putting both visitors and the delicate Hawaiian ecosystem at risk. They pointed to a 2017 crackdown on illegal tour operators due to increasing complaints from locals.
Twogood maintains his innocence, arguing that the weather forecast promised “perfect conditions” and the $50 fee he charged each participant covered only third-party insurance. He claims the outing went awry when winds and surf worsened, causing one person to capsize and another to feel like they “clung to their kayak for an hour” before being rescued.
However, the DLNR’s press release painted a different picture, describing the rescued kayakers as “weary boaters” and suggesting some were even “swept off their boats.” This contradicts Twogood’s claim that only one person needed assistance.
Adding to the complexity, Twogood’s past business ventures raise eyebrows. His now-defunct company, Twogood Kayaks Hawaii, Inc., was fined $25,000 in 2021 for operating beyond its expired permits and banned from using Kailua Beach Park, a popular launch point. Even though Twogood insists his Meetup group is separate from any commercial activity, questions linger about the legality of charging fees and leading large groups without proper licensing.
The incident reignites the debate over balancing tourism income with ecological and safety concerns in Hawaii. While supporters of unregulated outings like Twogood’s Meetup group emphasize personal responsibility and local knowledge, the DLNR emphasizes the need for certified guides and permits to ensure everyone’s safety and protect the fragile environment.
Twogood, scheduled to appear in court on February 21st, plans to contest the citation, setting the stage for a legal battle that could have wider implications for the future of recreational kayaking and tour operations in Hawaii.