Musings: War or Peace?

As I watched the sunrise this morning, I recalled something my father used to say: “Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.” Given the crimson and purple streaks on the eastern horizon, it seems more unsettled weather is ahead.

The same can be said for the Superferry’s return to Kauai. An Advertiser article today includes more of the contradictions that have come to characterize official discussions about the vessel’s return.

It leads with this comment from Coast Guard Lt. John Titchen on preparations for a heightened response to enforce the federal “security zone” imposed at Nawiliwili Harbor:

"It is likely that we will use the best response platforms that we have. We may include small boats from assets on the Mainland," Titchen said. "We'll have to assess the situation, and our goal here is to mitigate any confrontation, to not exacerbate the situation."

And it ends with this comment from Superferry flack Brooke Wilson, of McNeil-Wilson Communications:

Superferry spokeswoman Wilson said company officials have plans for outreach efforts on Maui and Kaua'i, and "we're definitely open to ho'oponopono with some of the people who have opposed Superferry over the last few months."

So which will it be? Massing an army, or ho’oponopono? I’m not an expert on either, but it seems that if one is serious about reconciliation, then one does not go about preparing for war. And if one is serious about mitigating confrontations, one does not exaxcerbate the situation by bringing in more forces.

Sen. Gary Hooser caught on to that point, noting: "I don't believe healing rifts ... or repairing the community damage, I don't believe that's going to come from arresting people or increasing police presence. I don't think that's the answer."

Since the security zone was created solely for Superferry — perhaps even at its behest, via Gov. Lingle — it seems the corporation could ask for it to be eased. The question now is whether Superferry will push the situation, like it did in August, or take some time to resolve differences.

In other words, does the company really mean what it says about ho`oponopono, or is that just PR window dressing?

I have to head up to Hanalei for an interview soon, so I don’t have time to get into Lingle’s operating conditions for the ferry in today’s post.

However, one thing has me puzzled. According to the Advertiser, Lingle still hasn’t signed the Superferry bailout bill. Yet a Poinography! post says it was done on Friday. Which is it? And why the confusion?