RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Tom Mitrano of Belt Collins, the state's consultant for an environmental impact statement, gave instructions to people yesterday at a meeting at Farrington High School.
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2 Superferry meetings draw 12 people on Oahu
Only a dozen people attended the two Oahu informational meetings on the Hawaii Superferry's environmental impact statement yesterday.
"Neighbor island residents are much more aware than they are on Oahu" of harbor activities, said Mike Formby, deputy director of the state Harbors Division. "They are aware of when passenger ships are in, cargo ships are in, when milk's arriving. They seem to have a general awareness and consciousness."
Formby also said recreational activities are permitted in neighbor island harbors but not in Honolulu Harbor.
The state, required to prepare an environmental impact statement for the Hawaii Superferry, is holding meetings on six islands to provide information about the process.
The EIS will address, among other things, three proposed new berths to accommodate a second vessel: one each in Honolulu Harbor, Kahului Harbor on Maui and Kawaihae Harbor on the Big Island.
Nuuanu resident Lovey Lung, 45, hoped to learn why the Superferry's vessel was damaged and whether the company is financially viable since it suspended operations due to weather and repairs. She fears it might ask the Legislature for more money to finance its operation. "As taxpayers are we going to pay for it?"
A hunter said he hoped the Superferry will sail to all the neighbor islands so he could transport his truck and dogs. A condo dweller from the harbor area complained of noise.
Thirty people attended a March 4 meeting on Molokai, to where the Superferry has no plans to sail, compared with yesterday's four at the 2 p.m. session and eight at the 6 p.m. meeting at Farrington High School's large auditorium.
The Superferry suspended operations several times since starting service in December. It is undergoing repairs to damage to its hull, Formby said.
EIS meetings are set for Monday at Maui's Baldwin High School Auditorium, 2 to 5 and 6 to 9 p.m.; and Wednesday at Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center, 2 to 5 and 6 to 9 p.m.