HONOLULU -- The promoter of an annual surf contest on Oahu's North Shore is suing the city after being denied a permit.

Promoter Reid Inouye runs the Monster Pipeline Energy Pro surf contest. This year he said he was surprised to learn his application for a permit to host the event was denied.

"We got a letter saying we didn't get the permit application for our event, but we can't find out why, what's the reason behind it, and based on all the criteria we had to follow. So, I'm baffled," Inouye said.

Inouye said he wondered how not having the event for the first time since 1984 will affect 100 surfers who compete to gain or keep their sponsorships.

The city's parks director would not comment specifically on the suit, but Lester Chang said that when it comes to issuing permits the city has to weigh three things: concerns of local residents, recreational users and those applying for the permits.

Promoters want a shot at showcasing their events during the best surf conditions, local surfers want access to waves and residents worry about traffic congestion, officials said.

The city also rates community givebacks and diversity, according to Chang.

"That's put together rack and stack, and if there is a conflict then the determination is made on who has the higher score," Chang said.

The permit Inouye was hoping for went instead to the promoter of the Pipeline Body Surfing Classic. It is a much smaller event, which lost out in the process last year.

The city said that while the demand for permits is growing there are only 16 days available during the stretch from October to March.

Longtime surf competition participants said it has been 20 years since the rules were written and perhaps it is time to try and come up with a system that is fairer and clearer.