Category Archives: Environment

Culture, Environment, Lifestyle, Politics, Travel

Maui Harbor Expansion Would End Surfing and Paddling There

On August 15, 2005 then Mayor of Maui Alan Arakawa noticed an increase in the use of Kahului Harbor by cruise ships. He commissioned a report. One of the findings is prophetic:

The canoe clubs fear that an increase in the number of cruise
ships will require harbor expansion, and may eliminate their
activities in the harbor altogether.

To accomodate the Hawaii Superferry, Governor Linda Lingle and the State Department of Transportation (DOT) want to expand the harbor inward by building an additional pier. This pier, the proposed Pier 5, will destroy water sports in the harbor, including surfing and canoeing. It will also prevent tug boats from turning around. However, it won’t prevent wave surge, which keeps the Superferry from docking already.

The other harbor expansion option is outward to the East, which would truly increase the future viability of the harbor while allowing the tug boats to turn around. An outward expansion would probably require a second breakwater. The problem with this plan is that it will take more time, more money and actually require more thoughtful planning than just a fancy new ramp. It won’t help the Superferry immediately, which seems to be DOT and Lingle’s goal.

DOT noted recently that the state’s harbor expansion plan would have “no significant impact on cultural activities.” Surfing and outrigger canoe paddling have been conveniently downgraded to “recreational” activities rather than cultural ones. But how is this rationally possible? The ancient Hawaiians invented these activities; and modern Hawaiians, among others, still practice them. Just because they also happen to be fun doesn’t mean there isn’t a deep cultural connection. In the 2005 Arakawa report, the cultural relevance of the canoe clubs were noted:

The canoe clubs of Maui serve many important social functions
in our community. They provide Hawaiian cultural education for
children and adults and strong positive education and support
for at-risk children. These programs are also held up as
successful drug prevention programs.

Chances are, if you’ve shelled out for a Maui vacation, you are either curious about or appreciate local culture. Certainly if you’ve decided to live here, you understand that surfing and paddling are metaphors for our way of life. It’s time for Maui lovers, both visitors and residents alike, to speak out against idiotic harbor planning that only serves one private company’s interest. Come to a meeting, wave a sign, complain to the cruise ship or Superferry management, or tell other people. Not everything is for sale.

The full 2005 Mayor’s Cruise Ship Task Force report is available at: www.savekahuluiharbor.com .

Environment, Lifestyle

Hawaii Super “Puker” Ferry is a Four-Hour Tour

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UPDATE 12/31/12: The Hawaii Superferry has been cancelled.

Departing from Honolulu, Oahu at 6:30 AM and arriving in Kahului, Maui, at 10:30 AM, the Hawaii Superferry (HSF) takes about four hours to cross the open ocean in between. You have to be on board at least 30 minutes prior to departure. For most people on Oahu, that means getting up at 4 AM. Once underway, the ride away from Aloha Tower is smooth and picturesque as the the city lights shine brightly against the inky black sky. Passengers gaze through large windows at passing Waikiki, and all is hushed over the drone of the diesel engines. The ride is smooth and picturesque, a great way to see the islands. You sip some hot coffee.

Rounding the point heading toward Molokai, civilization fades and open ocean takes over. In the channel, the winds whip and the ocean buckles. The ferry begins to heave into and over the huge swells. Up, down, up, down. The massive boat bobs like a toy. The inner ear signals something isn’t quite right. You’re way off balance. A queasy feeling appears in the pit of your stomach. You start to sweat and look for the toilet. Friendly crew members appear and pass out seasickness kits: a puke bag, ginger, a moist towelette, soda crackers and a breath mint. Fantastic, but you really want to get your stomach out of your throat. There are still three and a half hours to go.

Urgency overtakes your search for the head. As you reach for your puke bag, you let go of your shyness about puking in public. In between bobs, you look around and notice that most of the other passengers are doing the same. Along with most of the other passengers, you heave deeply into the bag and let go of breakfast, last night’s dinner and anything else still in your stomach.  Two hours later, the sounds of hundreds of people dry heaving masks the roar of the engines. The ginger doesn’t seem to be working. There is a palpabale sense of shared suffering.

Some passengers make it to the cafe for a soda or snack bar. Others watch some screens. A few are trying to get wireless or cell phone signals. Exhausted, you slump into the stadium seat, munch the soda crackers and doze into a light sleep, hoping you’ll snooze your inner ear back into balance. There is still an hour and a half to go.

The sounds of the engines and horns wake you from a fog. You notice the awful taste in your mouth and reach for the breath mint. As the ferry pulls into Kahului Harbor, you see Haleakala’s peak rise in the distance. Solid ground beckons. So much for seeing the islands during the ride over. As you disembark onto the flimsy dock, you think that maybe next time you’ll fly. That trip only lasts half an hour.

Environment, Health, Weather

Major Storms Trigger Drinking Water Warnings in Hawaii

Every time a major storm hits the islands, havoc can occur in the form of flooding and landslides that block roads and cause property damage. After the debris has been scraped away and roads reopen, runoff from cow pastures further upsloap and broken water lines may contaminate drinking water reserves. County Departments of Water Supply often issue a warning to residents that goes something like this: treat all tap water before drinking.
On Maui, the most commonly affected areas include: Copp Road, Alae, Naalae Road, Waipoli, Polipoli, Waiohuli, Keokea, Ulupalakua and Kanaio.

If you are in Hawaii during or after a major storm, be aware of water advisories. Proper water treatment includes treating with water purification tablets or boiling. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Filtering will not remove contaminating pathogens.