[ OUR OPINION ]
Talks on protecting oceans
should be open to the publicALTHOUGH the cruise ship industry seems to recognize the need for public discussion of its activities in Hawaiian waters, the state administration apparently doesn't. Safeguarding the ocean from possible pollutants is too important an issue to be deliberated away from the public eye.
THE ISSUE
State officials and the cruise ship industry met behind closed doors to work out changes on rules dealing with pollution.
State officials last week conducted closed-door meetings with the industry to make changes in the so-called "memorandum of understanding," a set of voluntary guidelines to which the state hopes cruise ships adhere when discharging waste water and other substances in the ocean. The public has had no opportunity to weigh in on the changes or other issues involving such discharges.
Meanwhile, industry officials met with residents on Molokai, as they had promised after proposed dockings on the Friendly Island met with community resistance last year. Holland America Line Inc. and Princess Cruises & Tours assured residents -- some of whom worried that the ships would adversely affect reefs and fishing -- that their vessels would not stop on Molokai unless invited.
Residents do not appear to oppose the landing of smaller boats that would shuttle passengers from ship to shore, a plan that would bring a much-needed economic boost to Molokai while not overwhelming the population.
The meeting brought a measure of understanding to what had been a volatile situation. Walter Ritte, a long-time activist and spokesman for a group that objected to the ships' port calls, said, "The protest part is over. We're in the healing part."
However, a lawsuit brought by the group, called Hui Hoopakele Aina, remains unresolved. The suit, which seeks an environmental review before cruise ships are allowed to dock on Molokai, brings forward an issue of statewide concern: the potential for environmental harm should fuel spills or other illegal discharges occur.
At present, the state has only the memorandum governing such problems. Although it calls for no discharges within four miles of the islands or in Hawaii channels, it contains no provisions for enforcement or penalties for violations. Moreover, the state would be dependent on the ships to report if they make any illegal discharges and the document requires only that ship companies have response plans should there be oil spills, according to the tentative changes made last week.
Although there have been no major problems with cruise ships here thus far, the industry has a history of pollution problems elsewhere. California recently enacted laws that prohibit discharges along its coastlines and marine sanctuaries after it encountered difficulties with the industry. Alaska has similar prohibitions.
However, the Hawaii Legislature has twice rejected bills that would put some teeth behind requirements in the memorandum despite overwhelming testimony in their favor. With the Lingle administration meeting privately with the industry to tweak the weak memorandum further, the public has not had the chance to make its views known. Decisions on this significant issue should include the community.
