Superferry: People Speak by Email

Here is a sample of the emails we printed from people who had something to say about the Hawaii Superferry. Emails in support of Superferry far outweighs those from the opponents. The Maui court order tops the small pile of opponent emails. As of October 12, we received more than 3,300 emails on this issue.

Below are very small selection of emails that we got from the public on the Hawaii Superferry, most urging the Hawaii State Legislature to go into special session to "save the Superferry".

Dear Senators,
 
My name is Joe Curtis and I am one of the Captains on the Superferry.  I
am e-mailing as a concerned citizen of Hawaii.  I have been involved in
this project since late March and have followed this developing
situation from the beginning.  I am actually not contacting you out of
concern for my employment because my job is secure and I will preceding
with the vessel where ever it may end up.

My concern is the other hourly employees that are or soon to be in limbo
as early as today, the horrible outward appearance that we are showing
in the business world as a state, and the possible repercussions that
are going to be involved if the vessel is to leave Hawaii leaving the
state on the hook for useless barges, harbor improvements, and financial
damages that will inevitably be a tax payers burden.

I personally believe that there were mistakes made on all sides.  And I
know that in order for the ferry to meet their financial
responsibilities we need to run faster than the tugs and barges and
cruise ships in order to be an inter-island travel option.  We can do
this is a safe and responsible manner.

My family and I are supporting you and the legislators to try and come
up with a reasonable solution as quickly as possible.

We support the special session and an attempt to save the Ferry.

Thank you for your attention
 
Captain Joe Curtis
Ewa Beach

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	Honorable Legislators,
	 
	I am a full time resident of Maui and I urge you to
	support the Superferry and it's complete operation
	to the chartered ports of the Hawaiian Islands. 
	 
	Many years of hard work and millions of taxpayers'
	monies have been invested into this alternative and much
	needed competitive mode of travel between islands. 
	It would be negligent to reverse what has already been
	studied, developed and implemented.  Lastly, it is
	about time that our state and local governments support
	competition to Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Airlines and 
	Matson Navigation.
	 
	 
	Respectfully,
	 
	Todd B. Schwartz
	Kihei, Hi.
	
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It is such a mistake to send the message to businesses around the world
that a business such as the Superferry can come to Hawaii, break
Hawaiian environmental law and  still operate due to special legislative
action.

It is so disrectful to the residents of Hawaii to make it possible for
the Superferry to operate before they have completed an EIS.

Please do not do this to us.

Sylvia Partridge
Hanalei HI 96714

	
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Dear Senators,

We live in Molokai and even though the super ferry won't service our
island, we are IN FAVOR of it.  Please do everything you can to make
this a reality.

Steve & Laura
Maunaloa, HI

	
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Senator

I'm one of the silent majority that thinks the ferry should keep
running. In my opinion the EIS should have been done at the front end
and everyone in government bears some responsibility for not dealing
with the obvious. Every official should have seen this coming however,
at this point, blame is moot, we need to cut our losses. Let the ferry
run and get the environmental checks in place or we are all going to
lose.

Our losses will be be many but a few are; Medical response and
evacuation if/when the inevitable disaster occurs on Maui or Oahu. I'm a
West Maui Taxpayers Association director, multiple resort manager, a
active member of LBN and just about every other community activist group
and have worked for years on Civil Defense preparedness.  We are so
vulnerable and we need this option to survive a disaster.

If the ferry fails some of the impacts will be; Economices immediately -
Small business in particular Economics in the long run ., transportation
options and Civil defense in particular Medical evac options (we have no
west maui medical facilities) Shipping options if air is closed / if
shipping is closed (strikes - 9/11) The list is endless.

I have lived on Maui all my adult life.  I am politically,
environmentally and culturally active.  (Very Active!)  As much as I
dislike opening of the door, we need to have alternatives and this IS a
viable alternative to interisland transport and emergency services.

As usual this endevor has been poorly done and shoved down our throats.
DOT has been arrogant in their acceptance and blind to the obvious
objections. The Ferry has been a screwed up presentation on all fronts
but it really needs to be saved.

I want to scream and yell at you all for not getting this done right but
that's pointless. Please just step up and do what is best for the state
in the long run and make sure the environmental issues are addressed.

Maui is my home, always has been always will be, Grandparents, kids and
all. My girls are nurses, they just got their degrees and want to come
home .  We're invested for life so please take care of busines and get
this done with the appropriate covenants. Please call the session, do
the hard work, protect our environment and work out a compromise.

It's really important to do this right and make it all work, don't miss
another opportunity to get the job done.

Aloha
Jim Hentz
Lahaina

	
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Aloha-
 
My family has been waiting a long time for the Super Ferry to come to
Hawaii.  This is the most convenient and economical mode for us to go to
the outer islands since we can take our car for a reasonable price.  If
we can't get this service, we will stop going to the outer islands and
spending money on hotels, air fare, restaurants.  It is more practical
to spend less money for a package to Las Vegas.  Don't let a few
environmental fanatics dictate what our state needs.  I think if you
conduct a survey, you will find more people want the service than the
ones who don't.  I am wondering if the new trend for ALL new businesses
coming in is to do this environmental study.  If so, they will certainly
think twice before coming here....for example the new expected Disney
resort in Koolina.

Please don't discourage us from visiting the outer islands and
increasing their economy....provide us with Ferry service!
 
George, Toni, and Anthony Davis

	
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I'm very disappointed in how this situation is being handled.  As
taxpayers, we are obligated to repay the debts regardless if the
Superferry stays in service or is forced to leave.  This is an extremely
embarrasing moment for the state of Hawaii.  As our legislators you are
obligated to do the right thing and allow the Superferry to go into
service.
 
Best regards, 

Diane C. Brule

	
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