 September 2007 | Small Business News
Will the political waters of Hawaii be favorable enough to allow the Superferry a smooth sail?
Hawaii Superferry: Were there serious and legitimate issues raised with most of these projects? Yes, and all were answered to the satisfaction of any rational individual. But therein lies the rub. A lot of the attacks in the past and at present have been emotional, irrational and just plain dumb (e.g., "we need to keep the Superferry out of Kauai to keep out drugs." FYI: the biggest drug bust in Kauai's history took place several weeks ago led by the U.S. Attorney's office.) Lack of information, misinformation and outright lies have marked the debate on Superferry's future. Embroiled in legal challenges on Kauai and Maui, years after the state gave the project its blessing and the statute of limitations should have run, the Superferry investors-and the estimated 75%-85% of Hawaii residents who support the ferry service-watch the ship mired in bureaucracy while its costs escalate daily. An original court challenge was adjudicated in favor of the ferry and the state. The state continues to maintain all laws were obeyed. The ferry altered times, schedules, routes and speeds, as well as hiring whale watchers to placate the "environmentalists." But to no avail. A vacuum of leadership, evident in the past, is in the forefront of this controversy. The Governor has been slow and indecisive in taking action. She has made decisions for the Superferry (including a September 26 sail date with a totally altered arrival time) and tried to "balance' the economic hardships between protesters and the ferry. The Mayor of Kauai and local law enforcement have been ineffective. The State Legislature has been divided, mostly along political lines, with many in the majority Democrat leadership opposing the ferry and the competition and choices it brings. However, several key lawmakers, notably from Kauai and Maui, have been the cheerleaders actively fighting the Superferry. The Coast Guard was "unprepared" to take on several surfers, kayakers and boaters in Nawiliwili Harbor. And the courts, especially Hawaii's unique Supreme Court, appear dysfunctional. Timing of the most recent 5-0 Supreme Court decision, days before start of scheduled service, saying in effect the state erred in not requiring an Environmental Assessment, is questionable at best. What about the economic interests and clout of competitive interisland transportation systems such as Aloha Airlines, Matson, Young Brothers, etc.? Conjecture abounds but it doesn't answer the basic economic issues relating to Superferry. The public? Though they say they support Superferry, they are frustrated as to what to do. They rely on their leaders and there is a lack of leadership. Of course when only 36% of eligible voters take time to vote, there should be no surprise as to the type of monopoly, non-competitive leadership that prevails in Hawaii. What should be done? Wait for the courts ( a decision is expected Monday as to whether Superferry can proceed while an Environmental Assessment is conducted?) There are other challenges pending. It seems never ending. The Governor should call a Special Session of the Legislature, with prepared legislation, not to specifically aid the Superferry, but to make crystal clear Hawaii's laws in regard to EAs, EIS and the like so this could not happen in the future. The Coast Guard, and state and local law enforcement must not just rattle sabers, but enforce existing laws and punish those that hold the rest of us hostage. Or, everyone could just continue to wait and do nothing. If the EA is required prior to any scheduled sailing, or if protestors continue to block harbors, it will be a moot point. Superferry will be gone, disrupters further emboldened, and with it any hope of future economic revitalization and major private investment as Hawaii approaches its 50th year of statehood. The only thing that could be left might be a lawsuit against the state and Hawaii taxpayers on the hook for $40 million in bonds unable to be paid by Superferry. We can make a difference now-and in the 2008 elections- or pay for our indecision later. Its not really about the Superferry; its about economic sovereignty and who gets to make future choices.
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