Aloha `Oe

Yesterday's headlines broadcasted news the Hawai`i Superferry would cease operations after the Hawai`i Supreme Court ruled against a 2007 law which allowed to company to operate without completing required environmental studies. Fast forward to today and one will see a headline reading "Hawaii Superferry to start laying off workers as of tomorrow."

Currently the $250 million dollar company plans of laying off 236 workers and will cease operations. It is unclear what course of action the company will take. A few options include ceasing operations indefinantely, filing an appeal with the Supreme Court, waiting for the environmental impact study to be completed, or using the Alaka`i (the catameran) outside of the state.

What is known is the Alaka`i will be making one trip back to Maui to return stranded customers, and their cars, home. The company will also offer refunds to passengers scheduled for future sales. As for the company and its employees, there are many emotions. Not only will the loss of the Superferry equal substantial jobs loss in the islands, the closure will mean the end of a project which so many have come to care for and love.

For those who have been with the Superferry since the beginning, it is very difficult. The loss of jobs will mean an influx in Hawai`i unemployment rate. The State has said it will help former employees transition into new employment however, with the job market being as tight as it is, few are optimistic.

In short, loss of the Supeferry will affect Hawai`i dramatically. Again there will be limited means of travel between the islands, less options for visitors and locals alike. Massive job losses will be seen on all hub islands and relocation of former employess will be a daunting, if not, impossible task.

Hopefully the Superferry will decide on a course of action soon and for the sake of the islands, I hope the decision is to fight. Locals have become used to depending on the Superferry for a mode of transportation and the impact on the population will be huge. Let the company operate and see what the impact study says when it is finished. What better way to gain information for the study than to allow the company to operate as it will. I think people need to sit back, relax, forget the options they have formed and look at the bigger picture. Let the Superferry stay for the sake of them and of the islands.

New Horizons

Yesterday after noon after a 10 day delay, the Hokulea got the all clear and began the voyage to Palmyra Atoll.  The voyage will take roughly one month to complete and will be used as to train potential navigators and gather information about the atoll and surrounding areas.  

Training new navigators is one of, if not the most, important aspects of the sail.  When the Polynesian Voyaging Society first began during the 1970's little was known about traditional navigation.  members searched long and hard to find someone who even knew traditional navigation techniques.  Finally, the found Mau Piailug, the single individual with the knowledge and willingness to teach navigation.  He commanded Hokulea's maiden voyage in 1976 and trained Nainoa Thompson who, under Mau, became a master navigator.  Mau later passed the torch and now  it is Nainoa who trains young men and women interested in navigation.  

In addition to training navigators, new captain and crew will also be rained.  Educators and scientists are tagging along and will be exploring the open ocean as well as the area surrounding the atoll especially the coral reefs.  This information will be used to better understand the atoll.  For added safety, the Hokulea will be followed by an escort boat.  

This voyage is another in the Polynesian Voyaging Society's 23 year history which seeks to educate and enrich the lives of all.  Here's to the crew, good luck and clear skies.