I am a resident of Kealakekua on the Big Island and a registered
voter. I just wrote my first ever letter to the editor today. But, I
thought, how can our opinions have the most effect? Perhaps through our
legislators.
As one of the silent majority in support of the Superferry, I felt impelled to speak
up. The recent article in the West Hawaii Today about the Coast Guards' cancelled voyage to collect marine debris in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands stated that the
Superferry had "an indirect environmental toll even as the vessel
remains docked".
More correctly, it should have been stated that those folks in Kauai who blocked the ferry, causing the Coast Guard to cancel the voyage, had a direct environmental impact. Direct -- not indirect.
Why didn't these objectors speak up years before, when the Superferry
was in the planning process? I wonder, too, who is really behind all
this protesting? Why only after millions of dollars and after the
ferry arrives?
The hopes and expectations for alternative, competetive, and enjoyable
travel for the residents of Hawaii, as well as tourists, are being
destroyed by those in -- apparently the minority -- opposition. They
should have settled their issues long ago.
We have all had opportunity in the past to voice questions. I've been
on the Web site myself ever since it was available. Now is not the
appropriate time to object.
My plea to Hawaii Lawmakers is: Support the people of Hawaii, the economy of Hawaii, and the Superferry.
Deanne Swenson, a resident of the island of Hawaii, can be reached at mailto:deanneswenson@yahoo.com
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