KAILUA — In an effort to mitigate conflicting usages on Hawai'i's crowded beaches, the state has initiated focus groups in all four counties to search for solutions.

The beaches under discussion are O'ahu's Kailua and Waikiki beaches, Maui's Kihei/Makena coast, Kaua'i's Hanalei beach and the Big Island's Kahalu'u Bay.

The state is evaluating the capacity of the beaches and ways to improve management and protect the resources, said Peter Young, director for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The DLNR wants to look specifically at surf schools, kayak operations and snorkel/ dive operations, Young said.

"And it's not in any way with any intension of increasing any activity anywhere unless that's something communities want to happen," he said.

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are in Hawai'i but crowding and conflicting activities are prompting people to call for bans and limits at city and state beach parks.

As an example, the Kailua Neighborhood Board recently called for a ban on commercial activities at Kailua Beach Park, including weddings, bouncy houses and photography.

Young said complaints are mounting as the population grows and tourism increases.

The state has been working on the problem for a while and last year received a grant to hire a consultant, meet with residents and develop a report with possible solutions. City and state agencies, beach users, businesses and neighborhood board members have attended a series of meetings on the different islands to discuss the issues.

Bob Twogood, who operates a kayak rental business in Kailua, has attended meetings hoping to find a way to operate at the beach and address concerns of residents.

At one time Twogood and other kayak businesses were allowed, on a temporary basis, to drop boats at the beach park for customers, but complaints ended that practice. Taking away the ability to drop off kayaks prevents people from using the beach in the way they would like to and limits beach use to rich people who can afford to purchase a kayak, he said.

"There's room for limited commercial use," Twogood said. "I don't think we should have kayaks, windsurfers and kiteboards all over the lawn."

Twogood said the focus groups are a good way to resolve the problem.

Wil Ho, Windward district supervisor for the city Department of Parks and Recreation, said communication is key. He wants a study conducted to assess the situation. He wants the problems identified and solutions worked out.

For instance, people complain about commercial activities crowding out residents, but crowding is usually a weekend or holiday problem caused by local residents flocking to the beach, he said. During the week the beach park has lots of parking and few people, Ho said.

People also have to realize that government is limited in what it can do, and must be fair, he said.

The city and state each have jurisdiction at the beach and that causes some problems. Jurisdiction at the beach is delineated by the highest wash of the wave, he said. The city controls the land, the state controls the sandy beach and ocean.

One problem is dogs aren't allowed in the city park but the state allows dogs on the beach if they are leashed, Ho said.

"The state is at least trying to bring a very diverse group together to put something down formally to identify some of the issues," he said. "But I don't know if there's a simple solution."

A report should be out by early next year, Young said.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.