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Let me clarify to those who might mistakenly think that I might be a "newbie" to the islands. I have spent 3-4 weeks on the islands almost every year since 1993 and specifically the BI and Puna area since 1998. Now, while that does certainly not make me a native, I do think it disqualifies me as a "newbie." I remember a day although shortlived when the islands had interisland transport with hydroplanes, not sure why those went away, maybe environmental impact, but I just fail to see why interisland transport progress has to be squashed completely because it was perceived to be handled badly. There must be a way forward without throwing the baby out with the bath water. Of course just my humble opinion.[:I]
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update:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/articl.../903190343
Too bad they just couldnt play by the rules, How much arm twisting came from the warmongers in dc to violate the law is the question I have.
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Some people see conspiracies everywhere.
Superferry came for one reason and one reason only - to make money.
In their business plan they figured they could make some off the
military transportation between the islands as well. This was good news
for the anti-Superferry lobby, now they could rally the anti-military
people as well.
The arguments about whales being hurt were unfounded and have been
shown to be so. But hats off to the anti-Superferry lobby for stopping
it in a clean and legal way. Much more civilized and safe than swimming
out and trying to physically block it.
I hope the Superferry returns. I can't see how it's an "eyesore" or somehow
detrimental to other users of the ocean. Why treat it any differently
than all the cargo or cruise shuips?
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The fact that they were spearheaded by an admiral just a coincidence? lol
you can find him here:
http://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/st...ily25.html
The military industrial complex is alive and well - imho
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If you're looking for someone to head a business that has to do with shipping, wouldn't you consider hiring an admiral? Lots of commercial pilots are ex-air force, is United Airlines also part of the military-industrial complex?
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"Early Superferry executives — and main investor John F. Lehman, a former Navy secretary — had touted the ferry's military utility in discussions with the state, including the possibility that it could be used to transport the Army's Stryker brigade between Oahu and the Big Island. The second vessel, which had been planned for Superferry's expansion to the Big Island, includes a vehicle ramp that could make it more useful to the military."
From the article, I may have been mistaken, maybe it was the "military - travel industry complex" -grin
Damon called it early on - good eye
Edit – spelling as usual!
aloha
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From the same article:
Fargo, after mentioning that the military might want to lease the Alakai, addressed speculation by some activists who have opposed the project that Superferry was designed from the start as a military operation.
"That's absolutely not true," said Fargo, a former Navy admiral. "We certainly wouldn't have gone to the trouble to paint Alakai in the manner that we did, to appoint her with 836 first-class seats, to spend the huge sums of money that we did to establish service here in Hawaii if that was our goal.
"The goal that's unmistakable was to provide regular and reliable commercial ferry service in these Islands."
Anybody can dream up conspiracies. Backing them up with any sort of proof is a bit harder.
I am actually PRO having a ferry, and love ferries. The inter-island waters have fierce swells though, and at least one ferry has failed before for partly that reason.
One wants to know one won't be stranded ... and that happened even with the Superferry.
I am against the Superferry people, not the ferry idea. It's really sad that they ran this so badly that now we won't ever get a ferry.
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Seats and paint are changed out often in commercial applications - grey paint is pretty cheap when you buy it in volume, if that his strongest justification - I’m available,
Sorry if I offended you, I’ll pass on the subject from here on - I need to be varnishing anyway, it’s just too wet for the cetol ....
In closing I really do not care how the boat got here - but it sure seems a waste not to run it
Aloha
