SUPERFERRY

NEW FERRY SYSTEM CAN AID HAWAI'I'S ECONOMY

The Superferry has made a bittersweet history. Free publicity in the media has drawn attention from the entire Hawaiian chain, but endless controversies continue to threaten its official start. The fact is, the Superferry would help our economy, if ever given the chance.

It's no secret that tourism is a major benefactor to Hawai'i's service-oriented economy. Sadly, Hawai'i doesn't have enough land to cultivate a monoculture, or natural resources to export regularly.

However, we're blessed with beautiful landscapes, excellent weather, and a remarkable spirit of aloha. People come to escape the cold, enjoy the surf, and feel part of these special Islands.

The shockwaves of 9/11 taught us precisely how reliant we are on tourism, and as the world continues to globalize, traveling to Hawai'i is becoming less glamorous in contrast to the Caribbean, Europe, etc. Thus, we should encourage attractions that can employ our citizens and interest tourists.

The Superferry is essentially a tourist attraction that provides a service, and since Hawai'i is a service-based economy that relies on tourism, the Superferry fits right into Hawai'i's economic formula of success.

MANY PEOPLE ON KAUA'I SUPPORT THE SUPERFERRY

First off, I would just like to say a few words on behalf of the other residents of Kaua'i. Not all of Kaua'i protests the Superferry. My family and I all agree that we would love for the ferry to run. We realize that it will be a great benefit for everyone in Hawai'i.

It's sad to see that so many people are stereotyping Kaua'i just because of the minority protesting. Because the truth is only a handful of Kaua'i residents disagree with the Superferry.

Eight out of 10 people that I talk to about it can't wait for it to start its service. So may I please ask a favor of everyone? Stop making like all of Kaua'i is against the ferry. Quit stereotyping the rest of us just because of a few "special" ones. You don't see us saying that you all are prostitutes or drug dealers, just because there are "just a handful" of them on the island.

CONGO

GLOBAL COMMUNITY CAN HELP END THE VIOLENCE

I agree with Michael Kleinman in his commentary "Congo's rape epidemic must be confronted" (Commentary, Nov. 26). This is an important cause, not only in Congo, but also in many other African countries and war-afflicted areas. The International Violence Against Women Act is an important measure that shows the governments in the affected areas where the rest of the world stands, and will hopefully push them to take this problem more seriously than they do today.

Rape is often used as a weapon in war and is most often carried out by soldiers and militiamen. According to Human Rights Watch, a staggering 60 percent of the soldiers and militiamen in Congo are infected with HIV/AIDS. Many of the women are also rejected by their own families, adding to the despair they face after the rapes. Women and children are the ones who suffer the most in times of conflict, and need some kind of protection to better their situation.

If the international community and the affected areas can work together on the issue, introducing measures as the International Violence Against Women Act, I believe it will help the development of these countries and contribute to a decline in AIDS rates, rapes (of both women and children) and poverty.

THE ARTS

HONOLULU SYMPHONY DESERVES OUR SUPPORT

I'm sure many readers join me in applauding the current season of the Honolulu Symphony. Artists and programs have been outstanding; the rich sonority of the orchestra augurs its climb to a new plateau. The hand of Andreas Delfs, the orchestra's new principal conductor, seems obvious at every turn. Maestro Delfs' combination of personal dynamism, deep musical perspectives and boundless enthusiasm can carry the orchestra far from its problematic past — if only we support him.

A successful, world-class orchestra not only would enrich the community, old and young alike, it would add a bright new dimension to the image Hawai'i projects to the outside world. In this regard, the post-performance sessions Maestro Delfs has established, wherein audiences meet with him and with guest conductors and soloists for informal Q&As and discussions, seem an especially good idea for creating strong bonds between the symphony and the public.

The maestro gives every indication of being the proverbial, long-awaited "real deal."

I hope many will encourage and support him.

UH FOOTBALL

GOOD TO SEE EFFORTS TO EASE TRAFFIC CRUNCH

Traffic and parking is a complete and total mess come Saturday afternoon on a University of Hawai'i home game. The fact that the Honolulu Police Department and security personnel are beginning to recognize that and do what they can to make the drive and parking situation as smooth as possible, pleases me greatly.

Driving to the games every Saturday, traffic is horrible, constantly backed up all the way from the Likelike turnoff up to the Halawa Stadium exits. It is good to see that precautions and planning have begun to help the fans and tailgaters figure out when they should leave to attend the game.

The space on the island is limited, and joining together and putting together ideas for safer drives are a good start to making game days more enjoyable.

INVASIVE SPECIES

TIME TO BUY LOCALLY GROWN CHRISTMAS TREES

Shipping Christmas trees to Hawai'i poses the threat of bringing yet another species of wasps that will endanger native species, both plants and animals.

The first species of the yellow jacket wasp, Vespula pennsylvanica, was originally brought by Christmas tree shipments. In an article last week Neil Reimer, state Department of Agriculture entomologist, said "It is a threat to native species." Furthermore he said, "The species here now lives at the cooler elevations and can be found in the Volcano area of the Big Island. This one stings and is a predator."

Now we face importing another species that will increase the damage inflicted by wasps. Sure, there are inspections, but it is impossible to remove every insect from the trees. We have already allowed one species of wasp to inhabit our Islands because of the need for trees. Why then don't we stop shipping them?

Hawai'i needs to care about the land we live in and stop supporting the need for Mainland trees. If one needs a Christmas tree then one should support local tree producers who sell trees that help the economy and the land rather then supporting a needlessly hurtful Mainland tradition. We live in Hawai'i, let's do Christmas Island Style.