Beach Weddings in Hawaii – Beachwed

Requirements

BACKGROUND The State of Hawaii is now requiring a Right-of-Entry (ROE) Permit for most beach wedding ceremonies. The purpose is to (1) "… protect our natural and cultural resources", (2) "… provide for public resident recreational access that does not damage those resources", and (3) "… allow commercial activity that does not damage the natural and cultural resources, or negatively impact the public’s recreational use." (Violations may result in a $5,000 fine.) WHAT THE STATE WEB SITE SAYS (1/15/10) WARNING: Information on current beach conditions is updated every twenty minutes and can be found at the following site: http://oceansafety.soest.hawaii.edu/. Permits for unencumbered State public beaches are usually for the area makai, or seaward, of the shoreline. The definition of "shoreline" is contained in Hawaii Revised Statutes A§205A-1: " 'Shoreline' means the upper reaches of the wash of the waves, other than storm and seismic waves, at high tide during the season of the year in which the highest wash of the waves occurs, usually evidenced by the edge of vegetation growth, or the upper limit of debris left by the wash of the waves." It is essential that permittees exercise extreme caution when conducting activities makai, or seaward, of the shoreline. Proceed at your own risk. In no event will the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, or any of its officers or employees be liable to you or to any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages or lost profit resulting from your activity on unencumbered land. OUR POLICY & FEES We are very respectful of the environment & public access and always seek a place that will not negatively impact either. Therefore when the ROE Permit, is applicable, we will obtain a ROE Permit as required according to the space required. See State Terms & Conditions Our base fee is $75 $50 for 20 guests Add $20 for each additional 10-15 guests.

WHEN A PERMIT IS REQUIRED Our packages do not include permit fees because we can't know the cost, applicability or requirements of the permit until we know the requirements of your wedding, number of guests and the location. We suspect that the majority of weddings will only require the minimum space. For larger weddings that require more space, expect a higher permit fee. ONCE THE PERMIT IS OBTAINED, THE DATE, TIME, SITE & NUMBER OF GUESTS CANNOT BE CHANGED. If a change is required, a new permit reflecting the changes will be needed. There is NO REFUND once the permit application is made. A new permit fee would apply.

THE BOTTOM LINE Our couples who choose to have their marriage or renewal ceremony on a sandy "beach", in the tidal zone described above as "shoreline",  will need a permit. If we are on the sand outside of that defined area, no permit is needed, as I understand the law. DLNR does not allow the use of chairs (except for disabled persons), tables, arches and other assorted decorative elements. Whatever the case, the site must be returned to its prior condition. GUIDELINES Get information about beach locations using our Oahu Site Map & navigating to the area of interest. Links to here to Outer Island Beaches. If a permit is required (see the notes on individual sites), we will advise you in your confirmation notice. If in doubt, please contact us. Mahalo for your understanding & cooperation.