More than 100 canoe and surfboard businesses statewide are now expected to pay at least $200 a month in concession fees under administrative rules approved Friday by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.

The board adopted the new statewide rules and retained a "blue card" qualification that allows Wai­kiki beachboys to retain control of their concessions.

Waikiki beachboys said they feared the state would do away with blue card qualifications, opening the door to allow anyone, including people with no knowledge of ocean safety, to operate a surfboard or canoe concession.

Under a system devised by legendary surfer Duke Kaha­na­moku, the beachboys in Wai­kiki are required to pass a series of qualification tests about ocean safety procedures, including canoe steering and lifeguard rescue.

Pointing out that the beachboys staunchly oppose elimination of all qualifications, Aaron Rutledge, co-owner of Star Beachboys, one of the Wai­kiki concessions, said, "Safety should be the No. 1 concern."

Rutledge said keeping the blue cards is a "good thing" and that more talks were scheduled between the state and concessionaires about providing new rules for improved safety at Wai­kiki. He said part of the talks has focused on developing a subzone in Wai­kiki for surf instruction and canoe riding.

Land Board Chairman William Aila Jr. said the new rules will provide his department additional revenue to manage recreational activities.

Aila said he thought the new rules were "fair," and estimated it would affect more than 100 concessionaires statewide.

The rules are expected to go into effect toward the end of May at the earliest after they are signed by the governor.