Kawaihae Harbor
Kawaihae Harbor
Consider adding a
ferry dock in plans
The Department of Transportation has completed an environmental assessment for a $128 million improvement project for the Kawaihae Harbor. The assessment says, “ocean transportation is Hawaii’s lifeline to the world supporting tourism, construction, national defense, agriculture. Current prosperity and quality of life are highly reliant on the commercial harbors systems. … It provides the most cost-effective and energy efficient method to transport cargo in and out of the state for residents and businesses.” The goal is to accommodate five barges per day.
Missing from the report was mention of accommodations for a ferry dock. All the above goals also apply to the local residents and tourists. The opportunity to travel between islands would enhance the economy enormously.
I recently visited the San Juan Islands off the Washington state coastline using the ferry system. Some $1,500 in three days is a conservative amount I invested in the economy. The ferry system is even part of their Department of Transportation’s statewide highway system.
We lost our struggling start-up ferry because of the environmental impact on the whales. Certainly five barges a day will have similar impacts on that environmental concern.
Please write to the DOT at garrett.e.smith@hidot.gov or 869 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96814, before Aug. 22 to encourage a ferry dock at Kawaihae Harbor.
Joyce Oconnor
Waimea
DOGS
Consider dog attack laws in Hawaii
Last Thursday, a very good friend of mine in Waimea was attacked during the day by two loose pit bulls while she was walking her two small dogs in her own driveway on leash. The pit bulls knocked her down to the ground, bit her and attacked her two small dogs.
One of the dogs unfortunately did not survive; the other dog had bruises and bites. Because the pit bulls were returned to their owner, she is now in constant fear of more attacks on her, her surviving dog and two cats. Certainly, one may well agree that is no way for anyone to live.
In California, dogs that attack people are euthanized and their owners face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity, history and circumstances. I was amazed that dog attacks are not considered to be any criminal offense in Hawaii and that even previously documented dog attacks are not required to be registered for public notice as are convicted sex offenders. I was also surprised to learn that in Hawaii, DNA is not even collected in dog bite cases as evidence.
If I had small children and planned to move to a community I certainly would want to know if there were any known two-legged or four-legged predators in that vicinity. These pit bulls live near the soccer park in Waimea where children often play. Does a small child have to die before dog attack laws are enacted?
Christina Stockton
Moss Beach, Calif.