COEUR d'ALENE - Diamond Cup hydroplane race organizers aren't giving up, despite Kootenai County Sheriff Ben Wolfinger's decision to deny them a permit this year.

Coeur d'Alene attorney John Magnuson, who represents Diamond Cup president Doug Miller and organizers, said Idaho code No. 67-7030 requires applications for such races to be filed "at least 30 days prior" to the event. In this case the races are Labor Day weekend.

So, he believes, time isn't up.

"The code also does not authorize a sheriff to deny a permit based on some of the subjective conclusions Sheriff Wolfinger personally made, such as the level of community interest or the perceived financial viability of the event," Magnuson said Monday. "The sheriff even called H1 (Unlimited) to discuss Diamond Cup's business dealings with H1, information that isn't part of the application process."

Wolfinger said last week he was denying a water-event permit because organizers failed to meet "several of the required criteria for the event by the July 1, 2014, deadline."

So, Magnuson believes Diamond Cup organizers could try and meet the criteria and apply again, 30 days before the races begin.

Wolfinger said Monday he stands by his decision for this year.

"This does not preclude an event next year, but the same criteria will apply," the sheriff told The Press.

Magnuson said other agencies that need to approve permits for the races are continuing to process applications received from Diamond Cup organizers.

Last week, Miller sent out a letter to hydroplane race supporters, urging them to contact the sheriff. In the letter, Miller was critical of Wolfinger for requiring all other agency permits by an "artificial" deadline, which he said was a month earlier than Idaho law requires.

"Please let the sheriff's (office) know your thoughts and why they should extend the compliance date for the 2014 (race)," Miller wrote. "They need to know that there is a broad base of support for the event and that their decision was not in the best interests of our community."

He also wrote that Diamond Cup creates jobs and promotes tourism.

Wolfinger said Monday he has received emails concerning Diamond Cup.

"A large number of those have come from people who live outside of Kootenai County," the sheriff said. "It appears that the majority of the support for Diamond Cup is coming from outside the area."

He said he has heard repeatedly that not having the race will hurt local businesses.

"I did not hear that from the Chamber of Commerce," Wolfinger said. Chamber officials couldn't immediately be reached for comment Monday.

A majority of support for his decision has been coming from local residents, Wolfinger added.