WAIPOULI — Upwards of 50 protesters gathered at the site of the Kauai Humane Society annual membership luncheon yesterday to catch Gov. Linda Lingle on her way into the event. Lingle was invited by the nonprofit to talk about new
WAIPOULI — Upwards of 50 protesters gathered at the site of the Kauai Humane Society annual membership luncheon yesterday to catch Gov. Linda Lingle on her way into the event.
Lingle was invited by the nonprofit to talk about new laws that will better protect Hawai‘i pets. But the demonstrators, many of whom showed up with their own four-legged friends, said they wanted more protection afforded to marine mammals.
Rich Hoeppner, member of environmental group 1,000 Friends of Kaua‘i, which filed suit against the state and Hawaii Superferry, stood with a few dozen others near the entrance to the ResortQuest Kauai Beach at Makaiwa yesterday afternoon. Holding a sign that read “Whale Killer,” Hoeppner said it should be no surprise that residents were using the visit as a forum to express their displeasure.
“Here she is passing laws to support the Superferry that I guarantee are going to kill whales — and to have her honored for wildlife is total insanity,” he said.
On Nov. 5, following a special session of the Legislature, the governor signed a bill into law allowing the ferry to operate while an environmental study is conducted. The vessel set sail with paying passengers this week between O‘ahu and Maui for the first time since it was docked by protests in August.
“I can’t just let her come here with new business when we haven’t finished old business,” said Wendy Raebeck, who was accompanied by her dog, “Rosie” — a Humane Society adoptee.
Many of yesterday’s demonstrators said it was ironic that Lingle was recognized for her work to protect domestic pets because they felt she’s left marine mammals by the wayside. However, none took issue with Kauai Humane Society or laws protecting pets.
“This isn’t about the Humane Society,” said activist Jimmy Trujillo. “The beef is with the keynote speaker.”
Lingle told The Garden Island that the Superferry debate has highlighted the important issues of invasive species as well as infrastructure. But, she said, it’s “not either/or” when it comes to figuring out what’s best for the state’s people and wildlife.
“My love for all kinds of animals is clear, but I also have a love for the people of Kaua‘i,” Lingle said, noting that the Superferry is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
