Senator Gary Hooser’s Statement on the Hawai’i Superferry
HONOLULU – State Senator Gary Hooser (District 7 – Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau) today released the following statement on the current operation of the Hawai‘i Superferry:
“I am deeply concerned by what appears to be an imminent escalation of the conflict that was evident during last night’s actions on Kauai, protesting the operation of the Hawai‘i Superferry. In particular, we should all be concerned about the potential in these confrontations, for an increased risk of injury to those involved.
“As a result, I am requesting that all parties, Superferry employees, protesters, police and Coast Guard personnel, exercise restraint, keep all actions within the bounds of the law and avoid direct confrontation and unnecessary aggressive actions.
“In addition it is imperative that a cooling-off period be put into place immediately while our community works through the important questions that have been raised in the last few days.
“Therefore in the interest of preserving public safety I am requesting that Governor Lingle immediately work with Department of Transportation director Barry Fukunaga and the Attorney General’s office, and call upon the Hawai‘i Superferry to cease operations while the courts consider the complex legal issues raised by last week’s ruling by the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, mandating an environmental assessment of the Superferry’s impact on our islands.
“The situation as it now stands is intolerable and fast approaching a point where serious injuries and further arrests are likely. Precipitous action benefits no one. Confrontations, injuries and arrests do not serve our community’s well-deserved reputation for mutual respect and aloha.
“I am also calling on Governor Linda Lingle to provide the leadership now lacking in this situation and begin a meaningful collaborative process aimed at averting further confrontations. But first, she must call on the management of Hawai‘i Superferry to cease operations until we have a solution that best serves the needs of our community.”