Both bodies of the Hawaii state legislature have authorized versions of a bill to create exemptions for the Superferry corporation. It’s a sad example of the way in which business and military special interests have inserted themselves into our governance, resulting in a state that compromises its laws to support those interests. Disappointing! But not surprising.
State Senate passes compromise Superferry bill
The state Senate this morning voted 20 to 5 to pass a compromise bill that would allow HawaiiSuperferry to resume operations while the state conducts an environmental impact statement. The bill also would set specific operatingconditions to help protect whales and prevent thespread of invasive species. Although the vote appeared lopsided, several senators voted with reservations, reflecting misgivings about the process of coming back into special session to help save the project.
The state House has scheduled committee hearings on the bill this afternoon at 1:30pm. (It will be live on your island’s cable channel.)The Lingle administration and Superferry executives have backed the Senate version of thebill, making it likely that House lawmakers willalso agree. The bill requires the Lingle administration toimpose operating conditions on the ferry to protect the environment. It also would create an oversight task force to monitor the project andreport back to the Legislature. The bill also includes language protecting thestate from liability from lawsuits by Superferrybecause of delays in ferry service. The bill would overturn a Maui court ruling barring the ferry from Kahului Harbor while thestate conducts the environmental review. Lawmakers hope to adjourn the session Thursday.
[from The Honolulu Advertiser]
