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Letters for Monday, August 27, 2007
• The Superferry exercise
• Give chief chance
• Speak for the trees
• Where the shame lies
The Superferry exercise
Lately, the Superferry debate has been reduced to a cheerleading exercise on both sides. Each side has its mind made up and simply lists their reasons as if these reasons have been proven. There is remarkable passion and confidence being expressed despite the fact, as of this writing, nothing has actually occurred. Having the whales on your side is an envious position. Who wants to be “against the whales.” If you begin with your own conventional wisdom that a high speed ferry has got to be a threat to whales, it is easy to embrace the confirming statements of groups with a history of supporting whale protection.
One statement heard frequently is “There’s been an increase in whale strikes in the Canary Islands since high speed ferries began.” The source of this information carries impressive citations. In reviewing the literature, some problems emerge. Many of these citations are produced by persons or groups with whale protection as a primary objective. This does not discount good research; but, it prevents you from giving the facts the highest category; without qualifications. What happens, and it appears to have happened in this case, is an attempt to prove a premise rather than objectively analyze data. For example, one work frequently cited is “Collisions between ships and cetaceans in Spain.” Along with the Canary Islands, it studied dead whale beachings (called strandings) caused by collisions with fast ferries in the Strait of Gibraltar. It reportedly states that the rate of these strandings is quite low and gives two possible reasons: 1) there are few places for strandings to occur. 2) the current is taking strandings into the Mediterranean Sea. The possibility that whale strikes did not occur is not even considered because the agenda is to prove the opposite.
Several reports state that it is very difficult to tell what kind of ship is responsible for whale strandings or whether the whale was alive when struck. It doesn’t stop them from attributing the strandings to high speed ferries because it’s accepted that strandings have increased since high speed ferry service increased. It’s a circular argument. Nowhere does anyone suggest that the reason the numbers have increased is because the number of people looking and researching in the Canary Islands has greatly increased. In 1992, there was a documented collision in the Canary Islands between a ferry and a whale and the whale and one passenger died. It became a cause celebre among whale protection groups. In the last 15 years, scores of researchers have descended on the Canary Islands. The Canary government itself coordinates the Cetacean Stranded Canarian Net. The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has become a significant marine-mammal research facility with Michel André and his whale anticollision technology. The Islands are crawling with people looking for what they expect to find.
There is also a significant apple and orange comparison being made between the Canary Islands and the Hawaiian Islands. On March 27, 1977, two 747s collided in the Canary Islands for what still is the world’s worst air disaster. At that time, I was an FAA Air Traffic Controller at a major U.S. airport. I did not appreciate then or now the slightest connection between that event and our ATC system. I am convinced that the captain and crew of the Superferry are equally appalled at the connection applied to them.
Peter Antonson
Wailua
Give chief chance
I’m so saddened by David Lindstrom (“Business as usual with Old Boy Network,” Letters, Aug. 26) crying about the new chief being part of the “old boys.” I personally will give the new chief my respect and support. I pray he can work and do his job as a local man of integrity and values without having to worry about the opinion of some “young boy” who obviously is biased and ignorant of the demanding standards placed on our new chief. Let the actions not the accusation define our new chief. Respectfully ...
Mike Ensman
Lawai
Speak for the trees
In April 2005 it was discovered that a new plant disease called “ohia rust” — Puccinia psidii — had arrived and was spreading in Hawai‘i. This disease is just one of several known rusts that affect the family of plants that ohia belong to, the myrtaceae, and none had been present in Hawai‘i until then.
Scientists and resource managers were worried that the disease would harm or kill Hawai‘i’s ohia trees, one of the most important keystones of the forest, although it could also harm other plants in this family, including eucalyptus, guava, and rose apples.
A quick search for signs of ohia rust on all islands revealed that it was too late for this new infestation — the disease was present nearly statewide. Thankfully, instead of killing ohia trees, it was killing non-native rose apple instead.
While this may appear to be a happy ending, the story isn’t over. There is significant concern that different varieties of rust may come to Hawai‘i and kill the ohia, inadvertently carried on imported myrtaceae-items like cut eucalyptus sprigs in flower arrangements or on imported plants in this family.
There is a Board of Agriculture meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. to decide whether or not to stop the movement of ohia-related plants and product into Hawai‘i in an effort to prevent a new variety of the rust from being introduced here. The debate will be between the value of these imports to the agriculture and cut flower industry, which will surely be represented at this hearing, versus the possibility of protecting a valued forest tree.
Who will speak for the trees? You can. Fax testimony to 973-9613, or send an e-mail to: hdoa.board.testimony@hawaii.gov with the subject “testimony” in the subject line.
Or, you can testify in person by registering with staff prior to the convening of the meeting. HDOA Plant Quarantine Conference Room, 1849 Auiki St., Honolulu.
Christy Martin
Honolulu
Where the shame lies
Editor’s note: The Garden Island is ashamed to have to report this story.
The Garden Island should be ashamed of themselves: “Man gets 5 years for molesting boys,” Aug. 24, A1.
You blatantly revealed the identity of the victims by revealing the name of the mother. This family and those boys have suffered enough and now they have to deal with everyone knowing this happened to them. The family is receiving dozens of calls, some in support and some attacking them as a result of this story. On one hand you state you will not release the names of the victims but then you go on in detail about their mother and list her name? What is wrong with you people? The Garden Island should all be ashamed of themselves for writing and publishing this article.
Cheryl Martin
Hanapepe
• Give chief chance
• Speak for the trees
• Where the shame lies
The Superferry exercise
Lately, the Superferry debate has been reduced to a cheerleading exercise on both sides. Each side has its mind made up and simply lists their reasons as if these reasons have been proven. There is remarkable passion and confidence being expressed despite the fact, as of this writing, nothing has actually occurred. Having the whales on your side is an envious position. Who wants to be “against the whales.” If you begin with your own conventional wisdom that a high speed ferry has got to be a threat to whales, it is easy to embrace the confirming statements of groups with a history of supporting whale protection.
One statement heard frequently is “There’s been an increase in whale strikes in the Canary Islands since high speed ferries began.” The source of this information carries impressive citations. In reviewing the literature, some problems emerge. Many of these citations are produced by persons or groups with whale protection as a primary objective. This does not discount good research; but, it prevents you from giving the facts the highest category; without qualifications. What happens, and it appears to have happened in this case, is an attempt to prove a premise rather than objectively analyze data. For example, one work frequently cited is “Collisions between ships and cetaceans in Spain.” Along with the Canary Islands, it studied dead whale beachings (called strandings) caused by collisions with fast ferries in the Strait of Gibraltar. It reportedly states that the rate of these strandings is quite low and gives two possible reasons: 1) there are few places for strandings to occur. 2) the current is taking strandings into the Mediterranean Sea. The possibility that whale strikes did not occur is not even considered because the agenda is to prove the opposite.
Several reports state that it is very difficult to tell what kind of ship is responsible for whale strandings or whether the whale was alive when struck. It doesn’t stop them from attributing the strandings to high speed ferries because it’s accepted that strandings have increased since high speed ferry service increased. It’s a circular argument. Nowhere does anyone suggest that the reason the numbers have increased is because the number of people looking and researching in the Canary Islands has greatly increased. In 1992, there was a documented collision in the Canary Islands between a ferry and a whale and the whale and one passenger died. It became a cause celebre among whale protection groups. In the last 15 years, scores of researchers have descended on the Canary Islands. The Canary government itself coordinates the Cetacean Stranded Canarian Net. The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has become a significant marine-mammal research facility with Michel André and his whale anticollision technology. The Islands are crawling with people looking for what they expect to find.
There is also a significant apple and orange comparison being made between the Canary Islands and the Hawaiian Islands. On March 27, 1977, two 747s collided in the Canary Islands for what still is the world’s worst air disaster. At that time, I was an FAA Air Traffic Controller at a major U.S. airport. I did not appreciate then or now the slightest connection between that event and our ATC system. I am convinced that the captain and crew of the Superferry are equally appalled at the connection applied to them.
Peter Antonson
Wailua
Give chief chance
I’m so saddened by David Lindstrom (“Business as usual with Old Boy Network,” Letters, Aug. 26) crying about the new chief being part of the “old boys.” I personally will give the new chief my respect and support. I pray he can work and do his job as a local man of integrity and values without having to worry about the opinion of some “young boy” who obviously is biased and ignorant of the demanding standards placed on our new chief. Let the actions not the accusation define our new chief. Respectfully ...
Mike Ensman
Lawai
Speak for the trees
In April 2005 it was discovered that a new plant disease called “ohia rust” — Puccinia psidii — had arrived and was spreading in Hawai‘i. This disease is just one of several known rusts that affect the family of plants that ohia belong to, the myrtaceae, and none had been present in Hawai‘i until then.
Scientists and resource managers were worried that the disease would harm or kill Hawai‘i’s ohia trees, one of the most important keystones of the forest, although it could also harm other plants in this family, including eucalyptus, guava, and rose apples.
A quick search for signs of ohia rust on all islands revealed that it was too late for this new infestation — the disease was present nearly statewide. Thankfully, instead of killing ohia trees, it was killing non-native rose apple instead.
While this may appear to be a happy ending, the story isn’t over. There is significant concern that different varieties of rust may come to Hawai‘i and kill the ohia, inadvertently carried on imported myrtaceae-items like cut eucalyptus sprigs in flower arrangements or on imported plants in this family.
There is a Board of Agriculture meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. to decide whether or not to stop the movement of ohia-related plants and product into Hawai‘i in an effort to prevent a new variety of the rust from being introduced here. The debate will be between the value of these imports to the agriculture and cut flower industry, which will surely be represented at this hearing, versus the possibility of protecting a valued forest tree.
Who will speak for the trees? You can. Fax testimony to 973-9613, or send an e-mail to: hdoa.board.testimony@hawaii.gov with the subject “testimony” in the subject line.
Or, you can testify in person by registering with staff prior to the convening of the meeting. HDOA Plant Quarantine Conference Room, 1849 Auiki St., Honolulu.
Christy Martin
Honolulu
Where the shame lies
Editor’s note: The Garden Island is ashamed to have to report this story.
The Garden Island should be ashamed of themselves: “Man gets 5 years for molesting boys,” Aug. 24, A1.
You blatantly revealed the identity of the victims by revealing the name of the mother. This family and those boys have suffered enough and now they have to deal with everyone knowing this happened to them. The family is receiving dozens of calls, some in support and some attacking them as a result of this story. On one hand you state you will not release the names of the victims but then you go on in detail about their mother and list her name? What is wrong with you people? The Garden Island should all be ashamed of themselves for writing and publishing this article.
Cheryl Martin
Hanapepe
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of kauaiworld.com.
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:19 AM:
" Hello again TGI,
Please do not expect anyone to buy your theory of promotion or advertising and success program Waimea High School. We the former students there at one time in our lives actually do not care of local propaganda and success story with you or anyone there and their cars to show for as a success story.
Basically, I wrote to Waimea High School, and I suspect as always that this town is a ghost town. No offense but there is nothing to do there, just unemployed educators and former students.
I am not with their idea of success story, and I am not placing religion or anything like that on anyone, because as you know, this is still a free country and you can do anything you want. The whole idea of success just doesn't work well in a farm club setting and wanting to make it out or make it happen after you graduate in high school there to say the least.
Basically, some people I may know here, think some of you people still stuck there are still losers because you haven't made it happen for yourself or others, if you get my point staying home doing nothing.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Please do not expect anyone to buy your theory of promotion or advertising and success program Waimea High School. We the former students there at one time in our lives actually do not care of local propaganda and success story with you or anyone there and their cars to show for as a success story.
Basically, I wrote to Waimea High School, and I suspect as always that this town is a ghost town. No offense but there is nothing to do there, just unemployed educators and former students.
I am not with their idea of success story, and I am not placing religion or anything like that on anyone, because as you know, this is still a free country and you can do anything you want. The whole idea of success just doesn't work well in a farm club setting and wanting to make it out or make it happen after you graduate in high school there to say the least.
Basically, some people I may know here, think some of you people still stuck there are still losers because you haven't made it happen for yourself or others, if you get my point staying home doing nothing.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:45 PM:
" First of all, let this be known, that these comments here are worthless and useless considering the topic being discussed. We found this topic a useless waist of time and money. This is from any intellectual interested reader. And yes, I am not associated with any former classmates there on Kauai also, for this matter alone.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:50 PM:
" I have seen alot of losers being mentioned in association to Waimea High School sports at UH Manoa. Might I add they are the one's who are delerious and a debachery to any level minded reader. These names are wide and long. And they run from 1979-1990 graduates trying grace the pages of Kauai and represent that school, outrageous. I for one, right now am putting all of them down for ever contemplating fame and popularity. We actually do not understand your fame and glory at Waimea High School.
This is in regards to your articles on the Waimea High School athletics and any department there.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
This is in regards to your articles on the Waimea High School athletics and any department there.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:55 PM:
" Losers I have mentioned that graced those pages are as follows:
Ross Kagawa 1984' UH baseball 1987' classmate of Percival Butay(cousin)
Edmond Acoba 1981'
Liko Pereira 1989 and someother school baseball?
Kui Souza 1988 Sacramento state baseball
Craig Ibara 1983' HPC of honolulu baseball
Keith Pigao - student information desk for all information here for class reunion
Lyman Lacro 1986, UH Volleyball 1987
Barry Magoay 1985, UH Volleyball 1989
These are just some of the names trying to gain popular votes via their own high School Waimea High School
even now. Unreal!
Best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Ross Kagawa 1984' UH baseball 1987' classmate of Percival Butay(cousin)
Edmond Acoba 1981'
Liko Pereira 1989 and someother school baseball?
Kui Souza 1988 Sacramento state baseball
Craig Ibara 1983' HPC of honolulu baseball
Keith Pigao - student information desk for all information here for class reunion
Lyman Lacro 1986, UH Volleyball 1987
Barry Magoay 1985, UH Volleyball 1989
These are just some of the names trying to gain popular votes via their own high School Waimea High School
even now. Unreal!
Best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 12, 2009 1:08 PM:
" Hello again TGI,
This is me, Dean Kelly Sabado. Thank you for letting me comment on your articles there on the island. I just want to thank everyone agreeing with myself on who actually I meant, calling them losers in that town. Ha! Ha! Ha! I am a personal graduate of that high school but will proudly say if they keep up the good work in academics and life, will not be too ashamed of being associated with Waimea High School as an alumni.
Sorry, but there are others who felt this way! Here on the island of Honolulu and even the mainland. These names may have one time in their lives even mine represent the epitome of failure and laughs, and not success.
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
This is me, Dean Kelly Sabado. Thank you for letting me comment on your articles there on the island. I just want to thank everyone agreeing with myself on who actually I meant, calling them losers in that town. Ha! Ha! Ha! I am a personal graduate of that high school but will proudly say if they keep up the good work in academics and life, will not be too ashamed of being associated with Waimea High School as an alumni.
Sorry, but there are others who felt this way! Here on the island of Honolulu and even the mainland. These names may have one time in their lives even mine represent the epitome of failure and laughs, and not success.
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
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HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:08 AM:
RE: 2/11/2009 and the above topic
Can we cut out the "EXPLETIVE" here. Everyone knows if you are or were affiliated with high school at one time in your life in Waimea, Kauai, you would know that you do not place one of the three stooges willing to work at Kentucky fried chicken and place him at the vice principal's seat at Waimea High School. We all know that BOE and DOE played no roll in this nonsense of students being athletes then becomming success in the respected choice of degree and field like a BA degree. An example, you cannot put someone like a Pereira or even an Aaron Francisco from Kahuku High School, now former Arizona Cardinals NFL, as a BA candidtate after a prolific showing in sports. It just does not work that way. We all know that they cannot be serious placing academics after a 10 year assistant coach with a rediculous man/educator and/or coach if I might add like Tommy Rita of the 1980's and then expect him, Patrick Pereira to educate people in 2000's after being associated with dumb athletes all their life and now turn to academics. Now they educate people? Ha! What are we looking at here is basically a rediculous and dumber community than most perceived DOE standard base learning. Otherwise throw this article out already, alright?
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "