Notes from the Ferry OTF Meeting of June 13, 2008

Was scanning the most recently posted OTF report on the DOT website and noticed a few points. See: http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/file-links/hiilfvotf/reports-to-the-legislature/OTF%20Report%20-%2006.27.08.pdf

First, from page 10 of the pdf file regarding the Belt Collins RRA:
"...the written survey of passengers on the vessel during the trips...passenger statistics were 48% from Oahu, 20% from Maui, average party size was 2.96 persons, average stay was 5.2 nights..." So more than twice as many passengers are from Oahu than Maui. Party size of 3 as is expected. Oahu and Maui is 68%, so at least 32% are likely to be visitors. All interesting numbers.

Second, on page 11 of the pdf file regarding Community Input:
"Concerns regarding Austal's construction of HSF's Alakai vessel."

And the next is what I heard about, apparently it stunned everybody in attendance and all of the committee members: "A member of the community gave a short background on fire ants and their negative effect on the Hawaiian islands. A suggestion was made for the OTF to recommend the formation of a study group to tackle the issue..."

Third, on page 12 of the pdf file:
"A question was asked if ramps on the Superferry [are] being considered?...Member Garibaldi responded that no ramp decisions have been made as of this date."

Fourth, on page 56 of the pdf file:
Laura Thielen, for DLNR/DOCARE in a letter makes the following recommendation to amend and strengthen the Governor's Executive Order No. 07-10 from:
"Prohibit Transport of Opihi, Lobster, or other Crustaceans" to Condition 2 should read: "The company shall agree that the transport of opihi, lobster, or crustaceans, that may be found and/or taken from within the waters of the State of Hawaii is prohibited and the company shall agree to notify passengers of this prohibition and shall prevent the transport of these species."

There were also a lot of pictures taken by DLNR of above such attempted "violations" from pages 34 - 51 of the pdf file. See: http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/file-links/hiilfvotf/reports-to-the-legislature/OTF%20Report%20-%2006.27.08.pdf

Tomorrow on Kauai will be a DLNR community meeting, "In an effort to step up the protection and compliance with the state's natural and cultural resources laws, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold statewide public informational meetings...on Kaua'i: Tuesday, July 29, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lihu'e State Office Building, 2nd Floor, Conference Room C 3060 Eiwa Street, Lihue, HI 96766"

Aloha, Brad