Protests won't stop visits to Hawaii
Regarding the letter from Bill Brundage (Oct. 23):
As a visitor 12 times since 1998, it won't make a big difference to me if the Superferry operates or not. Granted, it might be nice to try the interisland trip once, maybe twice, but it won't stop me from going to the islands if there is no ferry.
I go to Hawaii, not because of the perpetual sun, but because of the perpetual beauty, the wonderful people, the outstanding sunsets and sunrises, the fragrance of the flowers and the smell of the ocean and the spray in my face when a wave crashes upon the rocks.
I don't stay in a fancy high-rise, but in a little old round hotel across from Prince Kuhio Beach Park that we stayed in on our first trip. It holds fond memories, the staff is wonderful, like family, and welcomes us back each time.
We also are in love with Kauai. Many of our wonderful Hawaii memories were made on that small island.
I'm sorry if you don't want us there, but whether the ferry runs or not, we will continue to visit.
Myrna Geier
Bellingham, Wash.
Please uphold the law requiring EIS
If only Gov. Linda Lingle and her appointed administrator had treated the Hawaii EIS Law with respect in regards to the Superferry, the sophomoric letters to the editor so full of emotion would not be occurring.
Some of us believe upholding a law is paramount in society. I, for one, hope that the Hawaii Legislature ignores the request by the governor for a special session to give special consideration to the Superferry.
It is evident by the hearings on Kauai and Maui that the people of Hawaii want the EIS law upheld for the Superferry. Any action by the Legislature other than to respect and uphold the present EIS law would lack integrity and wisdom.
Pat Blair
Kailua
If Superferry sails away, Hawaii will pay
Many legislators seem to be saying that they will let Superferry operate if government controls the operation. Factoid: The only public ferry operation that succeeds under government control is when it is subsidized by taxpayers.
If Superferry shareholders are to see the return of their investment, pay operational overhead and maybe make a profit, the ferry will have to do so according to its own business plan. Any more obstacles put in its way by the Legislature will only increase the damages that may have to be paid by Hawaii taxpayers if there is a lawsuit or a settlement. It appears to many that Superferry already has a slam-dunk case against the state for "detrimental reliance."
If the Superferry sees too many obstructions created by government then it can move its $300 million asset to another state where the ferry is wanted. After that move, the Superferry will probably seek repayment of its losses (damages) from Hawaii's taxpayers. Past experience proves that this form of lawsuit will most likely succeed or lead to a hefty settlement.
To prevent this catastrophe from getting worse, the Legislature should immediately back the governor's efforts to make Superferry whole by getting it into business now, unfettered by business-killing obstacles and let Superferry prove itself as environmentally sound.
If that task is impossible, and it appears to be, then it may be time to consider a financial settlement with the Superferry before its losses are even greater.
Bob Hampton
Hawaii Kai
Legal harassments hamper investment
My husband and I have long awaited the Superferry and would like to see it operate immediately. The time to have foreseen problems was before the company invested in providing this service.
Businesses are watching to see how investments in Hawaii are being handled. If they are promised an enterprise, only to be legally obstructed at the end, they will not be willing to take the risk and will take their business and needed dollars elsewhere. Hawaii needs economic diversification.
Loren and BettyJean Anderson
Ewa
Lawmakers shouldn't ignore ferry critics
I feel disheartened that the majority of our legislators are apparently without principle.
Judge Cardoza ruled that allowing the Superferry to sail before an Environmental Assessment is complete could cause "irreparable harm" to Hawaii's environment. But here come our lawmakers, quite ready and willing to ignore the judge's assessment and and risk that potential damage anyway. Why?
Why would a Legislature made up mostly of Democrats, be so willing to let business interests trump Hawaii's environment? They say that having a ferry is "in the public interest," and it may very well be, but drafting the bill without including at least some of the 29 conditions proposed by environmental groups is foolish and irresponsible.
No, the real reason they are so willing to "help the Superferry" is because of money. Our lawmakers want to get their share of operating revenues, and they want to avoid the state getting sued by the Superferry for lost revenues, (by including an indemnification clause in the legislation).
Adam T. Kahualaulani Mick
Kailua
Proposed conditions for ferry unfair
Maui Tomorrow's and other plaintiffs' conditions for the Superferry violates equal protection of law. This is unfair because they do not apply to all cargo and cruise ships, airlines, private boats and aircraft operating in Hawaii. Obviously their mission is to kill the Superferry.
The people of Hawaii should not be intimidated by environmentalists trying to stifle our liberty to travel interisland.
Norm Chai
Kailua