Dr. Naomi Lin
Golf courses in Hawaii are facing an alarming rise in incidents of greens being damaged by vandals on electric bikes. This destructive trend has become a significant concern for at least six golf courses across the state. The superintendent of Coral Creek Golf Course in Ewa Beach, Doug Brown, expressed his frustration with the situation, noting that greens are being damaged almost every night.
Brown recounts a recent incident at his course where a large oval-shaped hole was discovered on the green, courtesy of an e-bike rider. In the three months since he took up his position, he has had to deal with damaged greens on multiple occasions. The problem has become so widespread that even during a visit by KHON2 to the course, someone was caught riding an e-bike.
While Brown understands the appeal of people walking on the golf course, he emphasizes that vandalism is both disrespectful and unnecessary. He hopes that these individuals would find more productive ways to spend their time rather than causing damage to the greens.
In response to the escalating issue, golf courses such as Mililani and Waikele have implemented measures to block open paths, while Coral Creek Golf Course has been forced to cut down trees to disrupt and discourage e-bike riders from causing further damage.
Ian Scheuring, a spokesperson for the City, revealed that Ewa Villages Golf Course, Ted Makalena Golf Course, and Kahuku Golf Course are also grappling with similar problems. Scheuring emphasizes that repairing the damaged greens is an added expense borne by taxpayers and is urging e-bike riders to stop vandalizing public property.
As Hawaii’s golf courses endeavor to maintain pristine playing conditions, it is imperative for the community to respect these spaces and refrain from damaging them with reckless e-biking.
The golf industry in Hawaii faces not only the challenges of maintaining pristine playing conditions but also the increasing issue of greens being damaged by vandals on electric bikes. This destructive trend has become a significant concern for at least six golf courses across the state. The incidents of vandalism have been on the rise, with greens being damaged almost every night.
One of the affected golf courses, Coral Creek Golf Course in Ewa Beach, has experienced multiple cases of damaged greens in the past three months. In one recent incident, a large oval-shaped hole was discovered on the green, believed to be caused by an e-bike rider. The superintendent of the course, Doug Brown, expressed his frustration with the situation, highlighting that the vandalism is both disrespectful and unnecessary.
In response to the escalating issue, some golf courses have implemented measures to deter e-bike riders. Mililani and Waikele have blocked open paths, while Coral Creek Golf Course has resorted to cutting down trees to disrupt and discourage vandalism. However, these measures only address the symptoms of the problem rather than the root cause.
Other golf courses in Hawaii, including Ewa Villages Golf Course, Ted Makalena Golf Course, and Kahuku Golf Course, are also struggling with similar issues. Ian Scheuring, a spokesperson for the City, emphasizes that repairing the damaged greens becomes an additional expense for taxpayers. He urges e-bike riders to stop vandalizing public property and points out the importance of respecting and preserving these spaces.
For the golf industry in Hawaii, the rise in incidents of greens being damaged by vandals on electric bikes poses not only financial challenges in terms of repairing the damage but also undermines the efforts to maintain the high-quality playing conditions that golfers expect.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for the community to respect these golf courses and refrain from damaging them with reckless e-biking. Continuing acts of vandalism not only jeopardize the reputation of the golf courses but also impact the tourism industry, as golf is a popular activity for visitors to Hawaii.
Market Forecasts:
The golf industry in Hawaii has been growing steadily over the years, with a significant contribution to the state’s economy. According to reports, the total economic impact of golf in Hawaii reached $1.76 billion in 2019, supporting over 23,000 jobs. The industry also generated $61.3 million in state tax revenue.
Despite the challenges posed by vandals on electric bikes, the long-term market forecast for the golf industry in Hawaii remains positive. The state’s natural beauty, combined with the appeal of playing golf in a tropical paradise, continues to attract golfers from around the world. Golf courses in Hawaii offer unique and scenic experiences, making them sought-after destinations for enthusiasts.
Issues Related to the Industry:
In addition to the vandalism issue, the golf industry in Hawaii faces several other challenges. One of the significant concerns is the impact of climate change on the golf courses. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events pose threats to the coastal golf courses, leading to erosion and loss of playing areas.
Another issue is the increasing competition in the tourism industry. Hawaii is home to numerous golf courses, and attracting visitors in a highly competitive market requires continuous efforts to improve and differentiate the golfing experiences offered.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the golf industry, with travel restrictions and safety protocols affecting the number of visitors and events. Golf courses have had to adapt to changing circumstances, implementing measures to ensure the safety of players and staff.
With these challenges in mind, the golf industry in Hawaii continues to evolve and innovate to maintain its position as a premier golf destination. By addressing the issues related to vandalism and other industry challenges, golf courses can ensure the sustainability and long-term success of the golfing experience in the Aloha State.
For more information on the golf industry in Hawaii, visit the Golf Hawaii website.
