The CEO of the beleaguered Hawaii Superferry told the State of Hawaii that the Courts needed to quickly decide whether the ferry would run or the company would shutter operations for good and flee to kinder shores. This could be a bit of a bluff, as so much has been invested that backing out now might be more costly than staying the course and waiting out the stormy protests by environmentalists claiming the company didn't follow permitting laws and Outer Island residents claiming the big boat will be a big threat to their way of life. On the other hand, it would be a terrible shame if the boat were shut down based on what seems to be somewhat specious reasoning that any changes in island transportation systems requiring infrastructure shifts merit a whole Environmental Impact Statement. Are airlines asked to file an EIS when they fly in more planes? Are cruise ship companies asked to do this? How about the interisland barges that are an economic lifeline for the Outer Islands? Granted, I can see the point of view of the protesters but this seems a Draconian solution. Should the Superferry have gotten an EIS a long time ago? Probably but its unclear whether the state told them they had to do so and clearly the state has not demanded an EIS in all possible cases.

—Alex, 09/16/07