Wednesday the Hawaii state Senate held a special session meeting at the state capitol. Thursday two House committees followed. The public and government officials gave testimony. The special session was called to decide if they would allow the Hawaii super ferry to sail and under what conditions. Earlier, as the super ferry was about to begin operations, environmental groups petitioned the Hawaii Supreme Court to stop the ferry operation. The Court decided unanimously that since the Hawaii State government had spent money for harbor improvements, an environmental impact study must be completed before the ferry operation could continue. They introduced A bill HB 1. The Senate and House groups asked questions of many that gave testimony. Both Wednesday and Thursday sessions lasted all day and well into the night. Much unpublicized and revealing information came to light.
As a result, it appears that the Hawaii super ferry will move forward and be allowed to operate while an environmental impact study is being done. The legislative process is not yet completed and oppositions from Oahu’s neighbor island representatives remain. Representative Mina Morita from Kauai, attempted to add several special rules for the super ferry operation. Her efforts failed. Testimony was given earlier in the week on the island of Kauai and Maui.
Entire testimonies were open to the public. We can easily review the Oahu transcripts. Much of the public input was very emotional and informative. Provided are some compelling moments that convinced law makers to arrive at the decisions they are making. Many unheard and relevant arguments were presented.
If the bill passes, environmental groups vow to take the matter back to court while ignoring government officials claims those initial causes of environmental concerns were not being addressed.
Often the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was referred to by those who participated in the discussions. Other compelling information was given by Captain Edward Enos Jr. Captain Enos testimony is #136
To be continued:
November 15, 2007 UPDATE:
Maui Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza lifted an injunction yesterday against the Hawaii Superferry.
Hawawii Superferry president John Garibaldi said the Superferry would announce a start up date by the end of the week.
Opponents of the Hawaii Superferry said they would bring further opposition. Some of the statements made were to barbaric and banal to quote. References were made about the largest blood bath in Hawaiian history as well as possible illegal in the water protests.
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