ArchangelX
10-17-2007, 05:43 PM
What'cha think? :weirdo:
----- Original Message -----
From: Rep. James Tokioka
To: Michael J. Kitchens
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 3:12 PM
Subject: RE: In support of the Super Ferry! Please take swift action!
ALOHA!
Thank you for your e-mail voicing your concern over the recent controversy regarding the SuperFerry.
As it is well documented, I have always been a strong supporter of responsible businesses that support our community's desire to have a stable economy and which offer well paid secure jobs on our islands.
In this case, however, I have serious concerns about the process utilized by the Lingle Administration in exempting the SuperFerry from an environmental review. Furthermore it is clear that the Administration ignored the Counties' request for the Environmental Impact Statement when authorizing the SuperFerry to sail to Maui and Kauai.
More than two years ago the Neighbor Island County Council's asked the Governor to conduct an Environmental Review on the SuperFerry. I was on the Council at the time and supported this request. If that had happened, I don't believe we would be in the predicament we are in today. Along with the environmental issue, there are valid concerns about traffic, invasive species and the ability of our infrastructure to support this new source of visitors. These concerns must be addressed, and it is my intention to share each of these concerns with my colleagues IF a special session is convened.
As you are well aware, this has become a highly controversial issue, with both sides citing valid and bona fide concerns. Unfortunately, a few individuals have chosen to voice their dissent through acts of verbal intimidation and criminal property damage. This cannot be condoned for many reasons, but especially because it sends a negative message about Kauai's residents throughout our State that is not indicative of who we are as Kauaians.
As a State lawmaker, I have always encouraged everyone to become involved the decision making process. Over the past four days I have received 5,600 e-mails about the SuperFerry in which I am grateful that constituents would take the time to share their opinions with me. After reviewing each e-mail I'd like to ask if you could please let me know what island or district you reside in. As you can imagine, many e-mails don't have a name, many e-mails have only a first name attached. Every e-mail matters to me but if I should see you on Kauai, I'd like to personally thank you for your in-put.
Again, thank you for voicing your concern as we seek ways to resolve this diverse issue legally and responsibly. MAHALO, Jimmy
Representative James Kunane Tokioka
Asst. Majority Floor Leader and Vice Chair, Legislative Management (LMG) and International Affairs (INT)
District 15: Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, portion of Old Koloa Town
State Capitol, Room 322 – Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 -- Phone: 586-6270 – Fax: 586-6271
E-Mail: reptokioka@capitol.hawaii
And my response:
Thanks for the email Rep. Tokioka,
Just out of curiosity, when the administration made that decision, did the legislature have a chance to vote and discuss it? If they did, then the discussion of how the SF came to be is completely mute. We are at a point, I believe and many others do as well, in which it is too late to solve the mistakes of the past, but we are able to save our current predicament. The special session will decide whether the SF sinks or floats, and if it sinks, the the state taxpayers will be left with the bill. For myself and many of my friends and neighbors, that is simply unacceptable espescially after the long length of time that this project has been in the works. If you must do an EIS, then I believe you must at the very least, allow the SF to operate. Regardless of who made the decisions, we view the entire legislature and administration responsible for the actions of today. Thanks again for the hard work, and we trust that you will all do your jobs to the best of your abilities.
Mahalo!
Michael J. Kitchens
Resident,
Kalihi, Oahu, Hawaii
----- Original Message -----
From: Rep. James Tokioka
To: Michael J. Kitchens
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 3:12 PM
Subject: RE: In support of the Super Ferry! Please take swift action!
ALOHA!
Thank you for your e-mail voicing your concern over the recent controversy regarding the SuperFerry.
As it is well documented, I have always been a strong supporter of responsible businesses that support our community's desire to have a stable economy and which offer well paid secure jobs on our islands.
In this case, however, I have serious concerns about the process utilized by the Lingle Administration in exempting the SuperFerry from an environmental review. Furthermore it is clear that the Administration ignored the Counties' request for the Environmental Impact Statement when authorizing the SuperFerry to sail to Maui and Kauai.
More than two years ago the Neighbor Island County Council's asked the Governor to conduct an Environmental Review on the SuperFerry. I was on the Council at the time and supported this request. If that had happened, I don't believe we would be in the predicament we are in today. Along with the environmental issue, there are valid concerns about traffic, invasive species and the ability of our infrastructure to support this new source of visitors. These concerns must be addressed, and it is my intention to share each of these concerns with my colleagues IF a special session is convened.
As you are well aware, this has become a highly controversial issue, with both sides citing valid and bona fide concerns. Unfortunately, a few individuals have chosen to voice their dissent through acts of verbal intimidation and criminal property damage. This cannot be condoned for many reasons, but especially because it sends a negative message about Kauai's residents throughout our State that is not indicative of who we are as Kauaians.
As a State lawmaker, I have always encouraged everyone to become involved the decision making process. Over the past four days I have received 5,600 e-mails about the SuperFerry in which I am grateful that constituents would take the time to share their opinions with me. After reviewing each e-mail I'd like to ask if you could please let me know what island or district you reside in. As you can imagine, many e-mails don't have a name, many e-mails have only a first name attached. Every e-mail matters to me but if I should see you on Kauai, I'd like to personally thank you for your in-put.
Again, thank you for voicing your concern as we seek ways to resolve this diverse issue legally and responsibly. MAHALO, Jimmy
Representative James Kunane Tokioka
Asst. Majority Floor Leader and Vice Chair, Legislative Management (LMG) and International Affairs (INT)
District 15: Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, portion of Old Koloa Town
State Capitol, Room 322 – Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 -- Phone: 586-6270 – Fax: 586-6271
E-Mail: reptokioka@capitol.hawaii
And my response:
Thanks for the email Rep. Tokioka,
Just out of curiosity, when the administration made that decision, did the legislature have a chance to vote and discuss it? If they did, then the discussion of how the SF came to be is completely mute. We are at a point, I believe and many others do as well, in which it is too late to solve the mistakes of the past, but we are able to save our current predicament. The special session will decide whether the SF sinks or floats, and if it sinks, the the state taxpayers will be left with the bill. For myself and many of my friends and neighbors, that is simply unacceptable espescially after the long length of time that this project has been in the works. If you must do an EIS, then I believe you must at the very least, allow the SF to operate. Regardless of who made the decisions, we view the entire legislature and administration responsible for the actions of today. Thanks again for the hard work, and we trust that you will all do your jobs to the best of your abilities.
Mahalo!
Michael J. Kitchens
Resident,
Kalihi, Oahu, Hawaii