Senate committee puts ax to Superferry

The Maui News
Wednesday, April 06, 2005

By VALERIE MONSON, Staff Writer

HONOLULU – A $40 million appropriation for the Hawaii Superferry was axed from the state budget by the Senate Ways and Means Committee Tuesday, setting up a debate in an upcoming conference with House members who have been keeping the allocation alive.

"I'm pleased it's not going to be in the Senate budget," said Maui Sen. Shan Tsutsui, vice chairman of the Senate's money committee. "If we're going to do it (the Superferry), let's do it right and address the environmental situation and the infrastructure situation at Kahului Harbor."

It's the latest patch of rough seas encountered by Superferry officials who want to turn the island's waterways into "H-4," a reference to the freeways that crisscross Oahu. The proposal for a high-speed interisland ferry has been swamped with increasing criticism, especially from Maui.

Last month, a coalition of three Maui organizations filed a lawsuit to require the ferry operators "at least" prepare an environmental assessment before entering into an operating agreement with the state to use already-crowded Kahului Harbor. That action came on the heels of a resolution unanimously adopted by the Maui County Council that called for the Superferry to complete an environmental impact statement.

Tsutsui and his Maui colleague, Sen. J. Kalani English, said the Senate was disturbed with the state Department of Transportation's failure to deliver hard information about impacts on the harbor, traffic and environment.

"What this signals is a frustration with DOT not providing us with timely information and answers," said English. "They say it (the Superferry) will have no impact. Of course it will. The real story is that we need DOT to answer basic questions before we feel comfortable with it."

John Garibaldi, chief executive officer for the Superferry, was still hopeful that the funds would be included in the final budget.

"I'm sure it will be one of the livelier topics (in conference)," said Garibaldi. "We're confident that with 75 percent of Hawaii residents supporting the Hawaii Superferry, the Legislature will look at this budget line and think about the affordable, alternative transportation that we will provide."

Tsutsui might disagree. He said he "doubts" that the Superferry will pass the Legislature this year even after the upcoming negotiations with the House.

Isaac Hall, attorney for the Maui organizations that filed the suit, realizes that more discussions are on the horizon, but offered praise for the Senate for considering the bigger picture.

"We're pleased the Senate has concerns about the harbor congestion and environmental impacts and that they're taking a look at some of the serious questions raised by this project," said Hall.

Garibaldi has said that the Superferry needs $40 million in state funds for harbor improvements to launch the project, but the company has every intention of paying it back.

Tsutsui said Gov. Linda Lingle's request for the money to be issued in general obligation bonds was changed by lawmakers to revenue bonds to ensure that Superferry officials would be obligated to reimburse the state.

"Hey, if this service is going to be so profitable and beneficial, they should at least bear a part of the responsibility for the infrastructure," said Tsutsui. "I'm not in here to give them a free ride."

While Garibaldi has said that the delay in the funding or the requirement of an environmental review would sink the Superferry, Tsutsui said lawmakers have been told of other businesses interested in starting up similar ventures.

State transportation officials continue to be a target for Tsutsui and English.

"They say they can't say anything because of a pending lawsuit," said Tsutsui. "I say this is a problem."

English said he's faced the same types of confusing and conflicting responses from the state regarding the Paia bypass.

"They tell the community one thing and they tell us another," said English.

Both senators said they support the general concept of an interisland ferry system.

"But we have to make sure all details are attended to, as well," said English.

Sen. Roz Baker, the third Maui senator, could not be reached for comment.

Valerie Monson can be reached at vmonson@mauinews.com.

Copyright © 2005 The Maui News

Original article: http://www.mauinews.com/print_version.aspx?id=7610

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