The battle over the Hawaii Superferry continues to pull apart the State of Hawaii. Actually to be honest with you, I don’t really know anyone who is all for the Hawaii Superferry? All I hear is people that are against it. Be it for environmental (the most popular reason), economic, or for the sake of keeping the outer islands (those not overpopulated like Oahu) from being turned into a tourist haven, people all have their reasons for disliking the Superferry.

Although I don’t know the ins and outs of what the Superferry can really do environmentally, the arguments against the vessel seem legit. The one that rings loudest in my head is the spread of invasive bugs and seeds that was explained to me one day from a guy who getting a PHD studying bugs (I think that’s entomology?)

He mentioned that since a lot of those traveling to the other islands bringing their cars will most likely be hunters (not sure where he got the “most likely” from but it seems sound), these are the same people that will travel deeper into the woods. Some of these woods are much more pristine, Maui and Kauai, than they are here on Oahu. If those same plants and bugs have a faster mode of spreading than would normally, the spread of invasive species will be much more rapid. Makes sense.

The thing I don’t get is somewhat related. If it costs just as much, possibly less, to fly and rent a car, than it does to take the ferry, what good is it to take the ferry. And to top it off, you’ll spread invasive species with your vehicle?

The other argument you here is about the marine life and the ferry traveling too fast for some, namely whales, to get out of the way. Not sure on this one. I see big cargo boats traveling in and out of Honolulu Harbor all day long. Realize they don’t go that fast but I think those could do some damage fo sho. But I do get the speed issue.

Lastly, you here about the people who don’t want the ports built up, their roads cluttered with Oahu vehicles, and their islands being turned into a tourist traffic jam. This is understandable. However, I would imagine that if people are going over to other islands they would rent a car if they didn’t bring their own. As for the ports being built up… not sure what to tell you there. That’s a preference of people who live there, and one I can respect.

As for me, I’ll have to get back to you on the Superferry.

If you want to further your knowledge (or fuel your passion against the Superferry) try out some of these links.

Save Kahului Harbor was brought to my attention via this Superferry comment here on Aloha Update. It’s an interesting site with a funky starting picture of someone superimposed vomiting (sorry to ruin the surprise). This site actually has a ton of information following all the legislature and what people really have to say about the impact of the Superferry.

Hawaii made headlines in this NY Times article. Although all it says is that there were protesters in Kauai it was interesting to see the topic hit the nation. Also here’s one from USA Today.

Here what the Hawaii Superferry President and CEO had to say in this Honolulu Advertiser interview. It talks about the Environmental Impact Study, or really, the reason there wasn’t one.

• The Hawaii Superferry Struggles to Keep Above Water
• Hawaii Superferry Starts Two-a-Days in May
• Poll Says Let the Superferry Sail

Tags: Hawaii Superferry

               
RSS 2.0 You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.