although getting some press is good, I think it is more important to COLLECTIVELY get kiters in the area to organize. Then get a dialogue with the authoroties that decide. Create a suggestion, where (and you have to be willing to offer some time) you ask for a launch area, where you promise that only qualified kiters will kite..this would probably have to be enforced by you guys (we have been praised for wearing very visible yellow t-shirts on the beach with KITE SAFETY printed on them, where we try to help and advice kiters)....where you always have someone there to watch so that no beachjumping happens. Big signs with rules in Spanish English and maybe german.
Our biggest problem here are tourists coming over and ignoring every rule. Stating that they can do what they want doing their tricks too close to the beach.
We have posted our rules here:
http://www.kiteoahu.com/default.asp?nc=5305&id=6
In my opinion we are our own worst enemy...when kiters behave unsafe it really frightens people, this quickly leads to bans etc.
I really think it is important to initiate a dialogue with the authoroties. Maybe you can suggest that kiting is only allowed weekdays after a certain time...it would be better than nothing. In addition, do not demonstrate with a 100 kiters on the water..in front of the camera..that is a recipe for destruction...really. Get a representative, be humble, say you understand the concerns, but that you feel that you are getting organized...etc. In general I think it is very important that you know you are going to say before the interview.
anyhow there are sooo much you can do...
Alex