Honolulu, HI

I’m just glad to see that Hawaii lawmakers are not going to let this opportunity for a new business fall to the wayside. One of the biggest changes in the “>Hawaii Superferry saga would allow the Superferry to continue operating in the islands while an environmental review was being conducted.

The restrictions are as such. They would have to give “unconditional acceptance” to operating restrictions that would be placed on them. The goal of the restrictions would be to protect the whales and prevent the spread of invasive species on the neighbor islands. This is still a potential option and it needs to be approved as of yet, but at least that’s better news that the “shut-out” treatment they got last week.

Being that “>Hawaii whale season is quickly approaching this is very timely. Whales visit our island waters between the months of December thru March. Locals as well as island visitors have enjoyed tours and cruises that take them whale watching.

Let’s take the issue of the spread of invasive species. Remember the story of the truckload of rocks that was left at the Maui harbor? Apparently, an Oahu resident boarded the Hawaii Superferry and left for Maui. While on Maui, the rocks were loaded to be brought back to Oahu and if it weren’t for the issue at the Kauai port, the truck might have been brought back to Oahu unnoticed. The Hawaii Superferry is going to have to beef up their inspection of boarding passengers and vehicles which might mean longer boarding times and travel delays should any instances occur. Somebody’s always got to test the system, right?

An additional stipulation would be that lawmakers would impose the conditions and they would not be subject to judicial or administrative reviews and the state Legislature would also have the right to impose conditions as well if lawmakers were not satisfied.

I’m a little concerned about the part that reads, “They would not be subject to judicial or administrative review”. Isn’t that the main reason why the Hawaii Superferry is in this predicament in the first place? Judges and lawmakers passed the Hawaii Superferry through the preliminary stages of set up and when all the issues started arising and it all hit the fan, they held back their support for the business.

I guess I should just be glad that the Hawaii Superferry has another shot at getting back to business and that people can return to their jobs. I guess I should also be glad that at least our government is willing to work together despite differences of opinion. That’s the way it should be. Now let’s get this concession passed so that we all can benefit from the Hawaii Superferry.

Hawaii Superferry, unconditional acceptance, Hawaii whale season