Superferry targeted for its efficiency
The Superferry is guilty of being nothing more than a ship with an efficient hull form. No other maritime vessel, cruise vessel or interisland barge has been held to this level of concern, why this one? Where is the concern over a tug and barge whose tow line is longer than an aircraft carrier, and is severely limited in its ability to maneuver to avoid whales? Maybe Superferry's biggest error is that it didn't unionize its employees at startup.
Mark Kaminski
Boise, Idaho
Formerly of Hawaii
Demands on ferry are beyond ludicrous
Sen. Fred Hemmings was being too kind (
"Group pushes rules on ferry," Oct. 19). "Ludicrous" is not sufficient to cover the latest attempt of the opposition to stop the Superferry. If my brother comes to visit, and I give him some fish and avocados to take home, he will be prohibited from taking them home on the Superferry? But if he flies on the airlines it's OK? Give me a break.
Louie Vierra
Haiku, Maui
Businesses should be environment-friendly
If we're concerned about attracting business because of the Superferry fiasco, maybe our state should do a better job up front on rules and regulations and err on the side of being overly cautious with projects affecting our precious island environment and lifestyle so we don't look foolish on the back end. Maybe if we had a reputation for being an easy place to do business that was overly concerned about the environment (because we all acknowledge its importance to our economy and lifestyle), we'd attract businesses that were concerned about the environment as well, and get us moving toward sustainability. What a unique idea. Attracting businesses that were pono and really had their hearts in the right place. I wonder what kind of Hawaii that would create? I bet most of us would like to find out.
I'm sorry for 300 people who might lose their jobs. More than 300 jobs would be lost if one invasive plant or animal arriving on the Superferry wiped out one important food crop. Let's do the assessment first and malama aina like we're "sposta."
Maybe our governor or Department of Transportation director should apologize to Superferry for the mixed signals they gave.
Maury King
Kihei, Maui
Some phone books must be delivered
I would like to respond to those who have written regarding the delivery of multiple, competing telephone directories. As Hawaii's leading telecommunications provider, Hawaiian Telcom has a regulated responsibility to annually publish and distribute telephone books to every home and business in Hawaii. The distributors of other directories not associated with the telephone company are not subject to the same requirement.
Delivering the official Hawaiian Telcom directories to Oahu's more than 1 million homes and businesses is a complex process, and sometimes we mistakenly deliver multiple sets to one address. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If this should happen to you, please call us at 593-8300, and we will gladly pick up the extra sets.
Hawaiian Telcom also strongly believes in the recycling of old directories. From Oct. 23 until Nov. 17, Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages, in partnership with All Rolloff Services, will provide three phone book recycling drop-off locations on Oahu:
» 1021 Kikowaena Place (Hawaiian Telcom's Base Yard in Mapunapuna)
» Benjamin Parker Elementary School (Windward)
» Ilima Intermediate School (Leeward)
The Hawaiian Telcom directories are the most accurate and comprehensive phone books in the state, serving as a useful resource for thousands of Oahu residents and visitors every day. We appreciate everyone's patience as we continue to deliver the new directories through the end of October.
Ron Montgomery
Vice president and general manager
Hawaiian Telcom Directories
Sting operation sends troubling message
The arrest and conviction of Idaho Republican Sen. Larry Craig are troubling. All sting operations are troubling.
The police concede that individually the things Craig did were not crimes, but added up, they became a crime of disorderly conduct. A judge cannot simply add up noncriminal acts so it becomes a crime. This is like saying 0 plus 0 equals 1, or ruling that three misdemeanors equal one felony.
What kind of government would pay a police officer's salary to watch in public places and arrest someone for his perceived concept of signals. Is it a crime to signal (flirt) to another adult? Is only homosexual flirting a crime? Are gay marriages in Massachusetts also a crime? When does "no discrimination against sexual orientation" kick in? Why no outcry from homosexuals?
The police abstract I read is like a card sharp who knows the card, then steers the suspect to that card. Craig's answers had to match the officers' when they differed.
If the case goes back to court, his lawyers should have a field day.
Andrezza Chang
Kaneohe