Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Maui on the water?


Looks like both sides of the Superferry issue are gearing up for December 6th, the day the Superferry will visit Maui. It seems the Coast Guard's imposed security zone around the ferry will now encroach on a popular surf spot within Kahului harbor.

It is funny how the security zones that were imposed awhile ago around big ships and cruise vessels has never affected the surfers or too many users of the harbor in the past. Maybe it's partly due to the docking location of the ferry, but even then it seems like it would have been brought up from day one.

I have to agree with many others that it does look like once again the government is using laws that were implemented for a particular reason, to be bent to accomodate big business.

I wasn't opposed to the ferry in the beginning and though I would probably not use it much if given the choice, there is a chance I still may. I will wait to see if they live up to their promises. What I am opposed to is the way our government has chosen to manipulate and change the laws to allow the ferry's operation. Even if it's on a temporary basis.

I would think that there are many other causes that deserve to have laws changed quickly to ensure that they can survive and succeed. For that matter, how about just putting even half of the effort into resolving the issues with our roads, water and other infrastucture? Don't the citizens of Maui deserve to have our island improved before worrying about whether another big business can profit from it's resources?

It looks like Maui's needs are again sidelined and the focus is once again turned away from our many problems that have existed for years.
I am guessing there will be a big turn out at the harbor come December 6th. Maybe the best vantage point to see the action will be from the ferry itself.
So for those that don't fly to Honolulu and make the trip back on the Superferry Alakai, I guess I will see most of Maui's population on dry land at the harbor since the Coast Guard won't be letting Maui on the water that day.

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