Posted on: Friday, August 29, 2003
State, cruise industry discuss anti-pollution pact
| • | Industry report touts cruises' value to economy |
By Kelly Yamanouchi
Advertiser Staff Writer
The state Department of Health met privately yesterday with cruise industry representatives to discuss the effectiveness of its anti-pollution agreement with cruise lines.
The memorandum of understanding signed last October does not have the force of law but calls for an annual review to monitor its effectiveness.
The Sierra Club, which criticized the agreement after it was signed, questioned the need for the closed-door meeting.
Sierra Club director Jeff Mikulina said the administration is "shielding the industry from public scrutiny."
"This is an issue that needs scrutiny," Mikulina said. "We're not aware of any incidents that have occurred in the past year, but we don't know, and I don't know if the state knows either."
Larry Lau, deputy director for environmental health at the Health Department, said the meeting with industry officials was an informational workshop to gather answers to technical questions.
The state may propose an amendment to the joint agreement, which prohibits most wastewater discharge in the ocean around the state and sets guidelines for waste disposal.
Lau said he is not aware of any spills in the past year, but the state is interested in a provision calling for an emergency plan in the event of an oil spill.
Lau said health department officials and industry representatives discussed the laws that apply to the cruise industry, environmental systems the ships use and the type of records the ships keep. Also covered was how the Coast Guard is involved in enforcement.
The Health Department can conduct joint inspections with the Coast Guard and can request cruise lines' records, Lau said.
"I think we have a much better idea of what to ask for (now)," he said. "We are trying to keep our eyes open and our heads up."
North West CruiseShip Association president John Hansen said the industry is not looking for changes to the state-industry agreement, but added: "We're certainly open to any amendments, any improvements they'd like to see."
Hansen said he does not believe there have been any incidents in violation of the guidelines.
Environmental protection is a critical issue for the state and cruise industry, which is set to grow significantly in coming years.
Norwegian Cruise Line is planning to base two newly U.S.-flagged ships in Hawai'i next year, carrying nearly 200,000 passengers around Hawai'i. The number represents a 40 percent increase over passengers on cruises in the Islands this year.
The state plans to hold more discussions with cruise officials on Sept. 25 to further review the agreement and consider changes. Lau said there are no plans at this point to open that meeting to the public.
Reach Kelly Yamanouchi at 535-2470, or at kyamanouchi@honolu luadvertiser.com.
