LEADERS MUST CONSIDER EFFECT OF SUPERFERRY DECISIONS
As I monitor the Superferry situation from the Mainland, I have to perplexedly scratch my head in confusion at the lack of planning by those involved with this major undertaking.
My wife and I visit Hawai`i as often as we can. In these visits, we have taken a great interest and gathered a great love for the Aloha State. We were even married in Makena Cove six years ago.
But a visit last month to Kona made me a little sad.
Not only did we see the effects of last year's earthquake on North Kohala and the overdevelopment of the Big Island, we landed smack dab in the middle of the controversy surrounding this gaudy monstrosity known as the Superferry without so much as a comprehensive environmental impact report.
As a Californian who has mourned the ramming deaths of three 70-foot beautiful blue whales in the Santa Barbara Channel this past month, I can attest firsthand what damage "progress" has wrought.
May those making the decisions consider greatly the effect they have on your wonderful islands before it's too late.
Mike Takeuchi
Goleta, Calif.
