Jaws is off. But why? Photo: Ron Dahlquist
The Red Bull Jaws contest, set to kick off in October, has been cancelled. Red Bull has ensured that it will honor all of the local obligations that came with the contest including charitable donations to the community of Paia and improvements of land in Pe’ahi. They’re also nearly doubling their donations to the Paia Youth & Cultural Center, Maui Firefighters Auxiliary, Teens on Call, Na Leo Kako’o (Hawaiian Immersion School), Community Work Day Program and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association Maui Chapter.
Reasons for the cancellation aren’t clear with Red Bull citing “numerous extraneous factors” as the cause. “While it is unfortunate we will not be able to host the event this upcoming winter season,” Red Bull said in a press release, “please know we are still committed long-term to the support of the surfing and local community, and one day hope to bring this and other events back to Maui.”
