THE HAWAII
SUPERFERRY case, now drawing to an end in Maui Circuit
Court, heard testimony related to potential harm to the humpback
whales that use Hawaii's coastal waters to birth and nurture their
young. The Superferry was forced to suspend service on Aug. 27
following the decision by the Hawaii Supreme Court that determined
the need for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A full
EIS had been deemed unnecessary in earlier court rulings that
preceded the August start of service. The Superferry had received
all required permits for service and is accumulating millions of
dollars in losses as the service delay continues. Superferry
President John Garibaldi and a Superferry marine expert are still
scheduled to testify.
THE MAUI
VACATION RENTAL ASSOCIATION has filed a case in Maui's
U.S, District Court seeking to end a policy decision by Maui County
to shut down most of the island's short-term Transient Vacation
Rentals that do not meet county regulations. Such accommodations
options are widespread, particularly upcountry and in rural areas
not served by resorts and condominiums. The county government has
begun implementing a strict adherence policy to regulations that
have long been ignored. The MVRA claims lack of due process and
shortcomings in the permit process, including the county's own
advice that applicants need not apply for the bed-and-breakfast
permits outlined in 1997 county legislation. The suit claims the
county would be responsible for millions of dollars in damages
should the new policy continue to be enforced. The 2007 Aloha
Classic Wave Championships, scheduled for Nov. 5 to 17, is the
first casualty of the impasse. The event has been canceled because
of a lack of accommodations options caused by the
shutdown.
DOWNHILL
BICYCLE TOURS on Maui from the summit of Haleakala to the
coast are being suspended following the third fatality in a year on
the runs. All seven companies with permits for the tour have been
advised to cease operations by Oct.10, pending a reevaluation of
safety requirements for the tours.
WALT DISNEY
PARKS & RESORTS has announced plans for a resort at
Oahu's Ko Olina Resort. The hotel, the first Disney property
independent of a Disney theme park, is scheduled to open on a
21-acre site in 2011. The announcement follows recently announced
plans by Crescent Heights to develop a 16-story condo-hotel with
400 to 500 units and plans for the 1,000-room Grand Ko Olina Resort
Hotel & Spa.
Hawaii
Editor: Allan Seiden
Phone: (808) 734-4677
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the Hawaii E-letter, contact Debbie Joseph at [email protected].