• Why didn’t the Legislature step in? • You go, Guv • Use some class • The rules are in place • Visitors welcome, but not the Superferry • Apologizes to O‘ahu Why didn’t the Legislature step in? Attn: Rep
• Why didn’t the Legislature step in?
• You go, Guv
• Use some class
• The rules are in place
• Visitors welcome, but not the Superferry
• Apologizes to O‘ahu
Why didn’t the Legislature step in?
Attn: Rep Morita,
Your statements in the Guest Viewpoint on Aug. 30, confused me. You state that your position has been consistent — the law is clear and the DOT has “blatantly” disregarded the law. You cite three items by number which makes you feel that it is pretty cut and dried. DOT is guilty of violating the laws of the State of Hawai‘i, according to your statement.
The public has known about the Superferry for a long time — long enough for the company to build a boat, navigate it thousands of miles to get here, and conduct sea trials. Taxpayer monies have been used to modify three harbors. Yet, you say that from the outset, the DOT has been violating our laws.
Please explain why the legislature of the State of Hawai‘i did not step in and, in some way, stop this blatant (your word) disregard for the law by a department of the state? In high school we are taught that our system has three branches to provide checks and balances within government. When one branch abuses its power, the other two branches can do something (pass a law, withhold budget, file a court action, etc.). If the law is so clear and the unlawful actions so obvious, this should have been stopped a long time ago by our government. After all, you and the other elected representatives, according to your citations, had the force of the law behind you.
Now you seem to imply that it is up to the citizenry to uphold the laws of our state and that it is ironic that law enforcement has to take actions against them. I think that is wrong. It is up to the government to represent the people and see that the laws of the state are enforced. As an elected member of the legislature, it is your collective responsibility to see that these laws are not openly violated by another part of the government.
Bob Waid
Princeville
You go, Guv
Re: Governor Lingle’s response to Sen. Hooser’s letter in today’s paper — I know it’s a bit of a tired cliché, but it sure fits here — You go, girl!
Susan Straight
Waimea
Use some class
I’m not for or against the Hawaii Superferry and I agree that the protestors should voice their opinion. However, it is quite disappointing to see the manner in which some of the protestors chose to portray the people of Kaua‘i.
Yes, there’s a debate going on about minority versus majority. It doesn’t really matter the amount of people there or not there, because it made all of us Kauaians look bad to the world.
Maui got the job done and came out looking ever “so classy” compared to the few Kaua‘i goons who did not reflect the majority of the people of Kaua‘i.
All it takes is a little use of brain power and some class to get your point across. Please Kaua‘i, use some common sense if there is to be any future protesting and direct your concerns to the responsible parties.
Francine M. Grace
Kalaheo
The rules are in place
I have watched the last two planning commission hearings on the proposed expansion of the Lihu‘e Wal-Mart building. Wal-Mart’s lawyer and Kaua‘i’s ex-planning director did an amazing job of blowing smoke into the commissioners’ eyes and trying to guide them through the worm holes they had dreamed up. What a show.
The commissioners need to step up out of the smoke and mirrors sideshow and see what a sham this application is. As Planning Director Ian Costa clearly stated, the “Big Box Bill” rendered all four of the big box stores “legally non-conforming” buildings. They need to read and apply the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for the County of Kauai, Article 23. Non-Conforming Structures And Uses:Sec. 8-23.l Non-Conforming Buildings And Structures. (b) Ordinary maintenance and repairs may be made to any non-conforming building or structure, provided that no structural alterations are made, the building or structure is not enlarged, and cost of work does not exceed twenty per cent (20%) of the replacement cost of the building or structure in any one (1) year.
The rules are in place. ENFORCEMENT is the issue before our government agencies.
David Ward
Lihu‘e
Visitors welcome, but not the Superferry
Stephen Foster William’s own seed of narrow mindedness and mean spirited has sprouted!
How important could it be to remember each island in Hawai‘i is unique? Even those who live on O‘ahu should cherish this. I feel most people on Kaua‘i welcome visitors from other islands. We just don’t want the Superferry to be the way they come. Why? To protect this fragile island we know deserves it.
Perhaps Stephen Foster Williams of Waimanalo is bitter living on a more-developed island and feels those on Kaua‘i don’t deserve to live on a less-developed one. Sorry.
You are still free to come here and rent a car, like we do when we go there and ruin your world (so it sounded). If you do I hope you can appreciate the fact that Kaua‘i is still different from O‘ahu and not yet an urban sprawl in the ocean.
Lisa Takaguchi
Kapa‘a
Apologizes to O‘ahu
Well, the resentment and backlash from Honolulu residents was inevitable. The despicable behavior of some of the Kaua‘i protestors was sure to have a negative impact for Kaua‘i. In their frustration over the Superferry these people took it out on the innocent passengers. Very unfortunate as Kaua‘i must now suffer the negative image as an island who wants to keep everyone else off our shores. I’m from Honolulu originally; I’ve been on Kaua‘i since 1991 and love it here. I would never consider moving back to Honolulu even tho my family lives there. The funny thing is, and trust me, I’m not alone on this thought, seems the majority of the loudest most obnoxious protestors didn’t even, look like they were born and raised here (Hawai‘i), but hey, I could be wrong. Some protestors seem to forget that most of if not all of the passengers were Hawai‘i residents, not a boatload of tourists.
Kaua‘i has been shamed. Really, think about it. The negative letters I’m reading from O‘ahu residents were earned, we deserve it. In the aftermath of hurricane Iniki, O‘ahu residents came over to our aid in a big, big way. Did we mind then? Have we forgotten that we are one state? Do we really want to live on Kaua‘i in isolation? How do you think O‘ahu residents will feel now when we go to visit? I offer my apologies to our neighbors, our friends, our families on O‘ahu. I can assure you, the vast majority of Kauaians would not have acted this badly. O‘ahu, we apologise.
Stephen Shioi
Kapa‘a
