Quiksilver pulls its sponsorship of ‘The Eddie’
HONOLULU (AP) — Quiksilver announced it will not sponsor this year’s iconic big wave surfing competition known as “The Eddie.”
Quiksilver, Red Bull and the Aikau family previously agreed to sponsorship terms for the world-famous event until Saturday, when new terms that were introduced could not be met.
“When the family declined to surrender control of The Eddie for five years on the terms Quiksilver was demanding, Quiksilver terminated negotiations,” the Aikau family stated.
For more than 30 years, Quiksilver and the Aikau family partnered to put on the contest at Oahu’s Waimea Bay, which only occurs when there are consistent waves of at least 30 feet in the bay during a three-month period. The competition has only happened nine times since it began in 1984.
It is named after Eddie Aikau, who was a champion big wave surfer and Hawaii lifeguard.
The status of the contest going forward is unknown, the family stated. It will negotiate potential contracts with other sponsors.
“Even though the parties were unable to reach an agreement, Quiksilver remains open to continuing discussions for a 2018-2019 event and beyond so that all parties can better prepare for the event,” said Glen Moncata of Quiksilver.
Acting HPD
chief to retire
HONOLULU (AP) — As the city of Honolulu is in the process of searching for a replacement police chief, Acting Chief Cary Okimoto said he plans to retire at the end of November.
Okimoto made the announcement to Police Department personnel in an email sent Friday.
Okimoto became acting chief in December after former Police Chief Louis Kealoha stepped down amid a federal investigation. A federal grand jury is looking into allegations of civil rights abuses and corruption. Kealoha’s lawyers deny any wrongdoing.
Last week, the police commission selected seven finalists for the chief position to move on to the next round. The commission plans to announce a replacement by the end of this month.
Water main break knocks out service
HONOLULU (AP) — More than 200 Oahu households remained without water Monday because of a water main break in Kaneohe.
The break happened Sunday morning and Lilipuna Road was closed as a result.
The Board of Water Supply states repair work on the 16-inch main was expected to continue through Monday.
A water wagon was positioned in the area and a roving water wagon also is available for the 224 homes impacted.
