Owner of Surf City Boats disputes planning staff findings ahead of Dec. 10 appeal

Andrew Hard, owner of Surf City Boats doing business as Freedom Boat Club, addressed the Hawaiian Gardens City Council during public comment on Nov. 12 ahead of an appeal scheduled for Dec. 10 regarding a minor use permit for 12347 East Carson Street.

Hard disputed statements he said planning staff made at a prior meeting. He said his business does have posted hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. by appointment) and that boat sales, not general rentals, are central to his model: "Boats are not decorative objects. They allow local residents to enjoy the water, create memories, support local marinas, and stimulate nearby businesses," he said. Hard said his operation buys new boats, operates them for three years, reconditions them and sells them, and that any confusion arose from a similarly named rental business elsewhere.

Hard also asked the council to address allegations of selective enforcement and retaliation by a former city employee and to investigate what he described as a fabricated state boat-sales license requirement. He asked the council to take action to "restore integrity to this process" before the Dec. 10 hearing.

The council did not take action on the appeal during the meeting; staff and the owner said the item will return to the council on Dec. 10 for the formal appeal hearing.