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I have the utmost respect for the challenges of the police department and enjoy a mostly retired life from a 38-year civil service career. But on Feb. 25, 2015, my perception of Kailua town changed, leaving me with a bit of mistrust for that town’s authority.

I picked up kitesurfing with a group of seniors out at Kailua Bay a few years ago and on days forecast to have wind we have coffee before kiting and brag about the stunts we didn’t achieve.  Kailua has an ample share of crime, drugs and homelessness along with traffic frustrations and resentment towards the way  tourism is changing the towns old charm.

A few years ago commercial activity was banned from the park to allow residents to enjoy their park.

On the day in discussion there was a small crowd at the beach park, one homeless man talking to a tree while drinking beer and several folks launching and riding kites. I was resting from an earlier kite session and was helping others launch and land their kites.

One thing about the Kailua beach group is the sense of community out there, best I have ever experienced,  a wide variety of professions of all ages, always helpful and willing to share a tip or tell a story.

That afternoon several of us were watching kites on the water when we observed an HPD officer talking to a plain clothes officer and pointing toward the beach. I figured there must be a super crime going down because all of a sudden three more uniformed officers, along with three plainclothes officers, were congregating near the trees and talking with kiters.

Off to my right I watched as another HPD officer was walking behind me. I started a conversation with him as he came nearer and in dismay discovered he was there to issue me a citation and tell me that I could be arrested. As I shared my bewildered look and tried to understand what was occurring, the officer explained that I was observed by undercover agents conducting commercial activity.

I received a criminal citation for commercial activity. Apparently helping others with kite launching and landing has now become a crime in Kailua.

In all, the undercover operation had an estimated eight police involved for several hours. They issued myself and three others citations for commercial activity, which is a criminal offense punishable by a $500 fine and 30 days in jail.

During this sting operation another home was robbed and the homeless man was still sharing his beer with a tree.

I now require a criminal lawyer so that I can go before a judge to plead not guilty and explain why I was helping others launch kites at Kailua bay.