Tuesday, November 6, 2007

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?

7 comments:

Larry said...

Today's paper does mention it, in the article Hawaii Superferry conditions finalized, down in the third paragraph. Probably the Advertiser was blindsided along with everyone else.

Larry said...

That Lingle signed the bill on Friday, I meant.

Joan Conrow said...

Thanks, Larry. The Advertiser article "Hawaii officials plan security for Superferry" says she's expected to sign it this week. But still, why the confusion? And I'm wondering why the operating conditions weren't announced when bill was signed, as Lingle had said she wouldn't sign it until they were ready.....

Jennifer Tyler said...

Does anyone else see it?–The Gov says in her executive order that with regards to whale strikes, the superferry can decide to enter the whale sanctuary during the peak whale birthing months, if Superferry feels going around the sanctuary (North of Moloka’i) would not be safe OR COMFORTABLE to the passengers. Well the customers have already gotten sea sick on Summer publicity trips around Oahu…seems likely nearly every day of Winter storm season, there will be the excuse to cruise 25 knots through the birthing whale habitat.

Would there be a law that said, we’ll allow Ferrari’s to go 50 through a school zone, if the driver deemed he would spill his latte if he had to break quickly? What F’ing insanity we live in here.

And what to the point that the Gov can change those executive orders at will? Once the plaintiff’s court case is no more…wow, there go those pesky restrictions…

Peace,
boycottsuperferry.org
and the blog page of said site,

John Tyler,

scottmaui said...

Joan, the Maui News this morning has this:

"Cardoza has scheduled a hearing for 10:30 a.m. today that will be on when he will take up a state motion seeking to dissolve the injunction.
[...]
The hearing today will be covered by Hawaii media, with live streaming-video coverage by Akaku: Maui Community Television at www.akaku.org."

Joan Conrow said...

Mahalo, Scott, for the heads up and link.

Anonymous said...

That was AWESOME to be able to view that hearing on Akaku. They rock.