Splash!
Security at Cliff House
Maui’s Hawea Point on the rugged Napili Coast is a traditional gathering spot for fishing, swimming and cliff jumping. The rocky shoreline is called “Cliff House.” In 2020, blockchain tycoon Jonathan Yantis bought 7.66 acres and a house for $24 million adjacent to Cliff House, and now he is beefing with locals over access.
Activist Kai Nishiki complained to Hawaii News Now about Jonathan: “He’s trying to dictate what the public can do on our shoreline. He’s done things like remove a ladder at the base of the rocks where the keiki used to get out of the water after you jump off the cliffs. He’s hired private security to harass anyone playing music.”
“You want the ladder? You can have the ladder. The ladder is not needed. It doesn’t have a permit. It shouldn’t be there. People can bring their own ladders,” Jonathan said. Concerned about loud boom boxes, drinking and drugs, Jonathan hired a security guard to sit on a concrete platform. He posted brown DLNR-like signs that read “Namalu Bay Nature Preserve,” and “Turn it off…. This is a Natural Sounds Only Area.” The guard monitors ocean activity with a security camera.
“All I really want is just to stop the massive noise pollution,” Jonathan told . “I guess it’s OK—but if it was in front of your house, what would you
