Hawaii Ferry and Environment - Report Example

Hawaii Ferry and Environment Introduction At first, the project of incorporating another cheap travel of choice to connect Hawaii islands of Oahu, Kauai, and Maui to their mainland was an enthusiastic idea to many. This was back in 2004, when the legislature supported the inception of the project. Things have changed now and many companies, clubs, and individuals want the ferry company to halt its operations until its environmental effects are studied. This paper discusses the relationship between Hawaii ferry and the environment particularly the controversy, and possible solutions. A new means of transport in the Hawaii islands connecting the Capital city Honolulu to the other islands was a great move. Supper ferry is the first big and fast ferry with a carrying capacity of 800 passengers and 250 automobiles. It is new travel choice from the normal means in this area that are quite expensive and crude. Goods are towed via barges due to rough seas and people use airplanes. This investment would better the lives of Hawaii people by cutting down on cost of travel. According to Hillyer, “Hawaii needs outside capital to grow and sustain its economy. The investing community takes risks, but they want to have a certainty when they take risk” (Hillyer web). To him, this vast risky project would bring the magic needed in the business development world. The business environment in Hawaii is unfriendly, which makes Hawaii to have a black eye for it. People in this area are critics who do not welcome new ventures that can improve their lives. No, wonder that after five years of preparation to have in operation a supper ferry that would boost business in Hawaii, the project seems like it has gone to waste. The business leaders are taken aback by the decision that is sending a bad impression and a negative message to the rest of the world. It is quite controversial how people would be in support of something only to change their minds at the last minute. The preparation for the project started about five years ago and many of the residents of Hawaii were very enthusiastic and excited about it. They could imagine riding on the fastest cheap means of transport and have their vehicles on board as they travel. In addition, they could imagine dropping their small towing boats they used to carry their goods with and spend many cold nights in the sea, risking their lives. According to dale as quoted in the Hawaii news, “I have several timeshares where I go back and forth from the islands. Now I can just use my own car. Really, I am looking forward to it” (Florino web). He is excited to have his car on board to move around with in the next island of destinations. The fare went down by $5 to attract full capacity and the ferry started its operations two days before its scheduled time. However, this was short lived since after two days, Judge Cardoza issued a restraining order to the company to stop its operations. In addition, many protesters came out at Kauai against operations of the supper ferry. The Hawaii Sierra Club and two environmental groups had gone to the courts to restrain the company from starting its operations before an environmental study was completed. According to Pala, after one month of hearings, judge Cardoza ruled that “The real possibility of irreparable damage to the environment” left him with no choice but to rule that the operations be halted until the environmental study was over (Pala web) It is quite controversial putting to a halt such a huge investment providing employment to so many people, and is anticipated to open up business locally and abroad. Moore as quoted in Maui magazine thinks that it is ironical that a project that should bring Hawaiian island together has become an issue that is driving them further apart (Moore web). In addition, so many employees are suffering as the project is in waiting mode. Kim is quoted capturing emotions of some of the employees and travellers. Amisone says, "I feel sad for the employees. One of my friends is actually an employee and she was crying and its hurtful to see that" (Kim web) The move to have the residents change their minds was geared by many causes some of which came from the supper ferry company. First, the great opposition by the company to have its impact to the environment investigated put off its many supporters. In addition, some of the state and federal government were for this idea not to investigate the company. In fact, state transport department had issued the Supper Ferry Company with an exemption from a full environmental impact statement based on a loophole in the state law. Secondly, Hawaii residents changed their minds on environmental issues that the vessel would create. The emissions, effluents, and solid wastes from the moving vessel is feared that it will kill their indigenous plants and animals present in these islands. In addition, residents fear that there will be traffic at the port and that their fishing occupation will not proceed normally, and that it will cause problems to the whales. Hawaii residents are lovers of environment and prefer to have less of technology and enjoy their good life. They think that introduction of new species from other islands might cause extinction of the existing ones that they are acquainted to and love. At one point, introduction of mongoose, dogs, and rats from European countries is believed to have wiped out many birds and plants. Therefore, they would rather have their plants and birds, other than allow some fast means of transport than would ruin their nature. When a government have wronged an individual because of the government action or inaction, such plaintiff have a valid claim against the government. Nevertheless, when the government have committed a crime against third parties like the environment, it is not clear when or why a particular person can meet the injury-in-fact test (Yerton 335). This reason makes the government adamant to allow activities that will harm third parties since it is their duty to protect them. Environment is an area surrounding human beings and its protection is crucial. This is because the impacts of a destroyed environment are quite bad and correcting the same may take ages and consume lots of money. However, anything good in life calls for a little sacrifice here and there. I do not think that halting Supper ferry operations because of taking care of the environment is justified. First, the department of agriculture states that the greatest threat of invasion of species does not originate from Hawaiian Islands but from outside this state (Protect your waters web). This they claim it happens when such species stick on cars ferried on Hawaii super ferry. I believe that it is easier to ban transportation of animals and plants on this ferry. In addition, doing a thorough inspection to check the same at bays, or special washing of cars with some chemical that can kill any plant seeds stuck in cars than halt activities of a helpful Supper Ferry. Secondly, the Supper Ferry has consumed so much money, to be precise, about $85 million. Before the projects’ approval and inception, necessary protocols must have been followed since the state transport department was involved. This means that it is unethical to enter into a contract and terminate it or halt it after sometime. I suggest analysts to be called upon to evaluate the useful life of the project, the amount it will have appreciated with, and developments that will result after it. This, the analysts will measure it against environment damages that the company will have caused. Since the project has more value than the damages, it will be required to pay a certain amount of money after a certain period say three months to correct the damages. Conclusion Indeed, the Hawaii ferry was a welcome idea for the population. Most people had waited in anticipation for the fast and efficient means of transport. The Hawaii ferry provided good means of transport at a low cost. However, environmental concerns made the ferry operations to be stopped. Balancing between economic gains and destroying the ecosystem brewed a lot of controversy. However, several measures such as more environmental impact assessments may offer a long-term solution to the ferry controversy. Works Cited Florino, Stephen. “Hawaii Super ferry Finally Home.” Hawaii News Now. Web, 21 March 2012. (Emotional site) Hillyer, Beth. “Business Community Slams Super ferry Decision.” Hawaii news now. 2012. Web, 21 March 2012. (Emmotional site) Kim, Leland. “Super ferry sails its final voyage.” Hawaii News Now.2009. Web, 21 March 2012. (Emmotional) Moore, Jason. Is the Hawaii Super ferry a boon for inter-island travellers, or a boondoggle threatening Maui’s way of life?”Maui Magazine. Web, 21 March 2012. (logical site) N.d. “Hawaii House Passes Super Ferry Bill, Questions of Invasive Species Arise.” Protect Your Waters. 2007. Web, 21 March 2012. (Logical Site) Pala, Christopher. “Hawaii Ferry Halted for Environment Study.” The New Yolk Times. 2007. Web, 21 March 2012. (Emmotional Site) Yerton, Stewart. “Procedural Standing and the Hawaii Super ferry Decision.” Hawaii educational journal. 2011. Web, 21 March 2012. Logical) Read More