GIVE US A SIGN
Dear Governor Green,
This is not the 1950s (when nudists and LGBTQ were not allowed to exist), it’s a new world where nude sunbathing is a common form of recreation. Society has evolved and learned to accept and value our many differences. An ever-increasing number of people have discovered the freedom and connection to nature that comes with shedding the protective textile. Naturists are in their natural state to be part of nature - monk seals, humans, turtles - all equal on the beach. We revere and protect nature and the environment.
In a 2021 Zogby Analytics US National Poll:
- 75% agreed that people who enjoy nude sunbathing should be able to do so without interference from officials at a beach accepted for that purpose (Q1).
- 74% agree that Local and State governments should set aside public land for people who enjoy clothing-optional recreation such as nude sunbathing or swimming (Q2).
- 40% have gone skinny-dipping or nude sunbathing with others (Q4).
- 45% would consider going nude at a clothing-optional beach if they knew it was safe and legal (Q6).
Naturists travel from all over Maui, and from all over the World, to experience the beauty and spiritual feeling Puʻu Ōlaʻi (Little) Beach. Naturists gather in this place where, for 70+ years, nude sunbathing has been traditionally practiced, leaving the remaining 99.7% of Maui beaches for those who choose textile sunbathing. Just as the DLNR accommodates different classes of trail users, it must in fairness accommodate different classes of beach users. Naturists are no less worthy of permitted space than mountain bikers. From 1987, there were 33 years of intentional non-enforcement of the State Park’s archaic No Nudity rule, proving that the DLNR can create exceptions to its rules.
The naturist travel economy is significant and growing. Other sunshine destinations are vying for naturist business [Florida $7 Billion/year]. Hawaii’s economy, and especially Maui’s local economy, is dependent on attracting visitors. Our State Parks are a major attraction and Maui’s Little Beach is a gem, a naturist Mecca, and a world-renowned top-10 naturist destination. Sustainability is in demand but there can be no sustainability without a strong tourist industry. Residents have no choice but to buy products (cars, toasters, cell phones etc.) made elsewhere - causing a massive outflow of wealth. Visitors are essential to bring back that wealth and the DLNR must do its part.
The DLNR has advised that Puʻu Ōlaʻi is a pre-contact Hawaiian cultural site requiring additional cultural management and respect. Puʻu Ōlaʻi (Little) Beach lies in the shadow of Puʻu Ōlaʻi and warrants the same respect. As the DLNR knows, pre-contact Hawaiians on Puʻu Ōlaʻi (Little) Beach were also naturists, bathing and surfing nude. The posted No Nudity signs are the imposition of haole artifacts and therefore an affront to pre-contact Hawaiian culture. Friends of Little Beach presents a respectful alternative.
Suddenly in 2021, the DLNR declared the intent to issue nudity citations and posted many garish, intimidating, red/black/white No Nudity signs around Little Beach (but not on Big Beach where the same laws apply). At the same time it imposed draconian visitor fees, $30/day for a family of 4 to access a natural beach with no facilities. If these actions drive naturist visitors to other destinations, it will be detrimental to Maui’s hoteliers, restaurateurs, and mom & pop businesses.
Please give us that sign and be part of the new world, as evidenced by 64 Authorized Beach Nudity signs displayed below.
Sincerely,
Friends of Little Beach