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Big Island tour company could lose state permit

COURTESY SCARSDALE HIGH SCHOOL
Tyler Madoff

HILO >> A Hawaii kayak tour company leading a group of teens when one from New York was swept out to sea could lose its permit from the state.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is recommending that Hawaii Pack and Paddle’s permit be revoked for three violations on July 4.

That’s the day 15-year-old Tyler Madoff was swept out to sea off the Kona coast of Hawaii island. The family of the White Plains teen filed a lawsuit claiming tour guides were negligent.

The department says the company conducted a tour with 13 passengers — one more than allowed, exceeded the landing time and deviated from authorized areas.

The company tells Hawaii Tribune-Herald it disputes those findings.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources is to consider the recommendation Friday.

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