Legislators weigh cruise ship benefits

By Kelly Yamanouchi
Advertiser Staff Writer

Cruise executives came under close questioning at a state House hearing yesterday as lawmakers attempted to balance worries about the cruise industry's social and environmental impact with the economic promise of shipboard visitors.

"The only part that makes me wonder is it seems to be a voluntary compliance scheme," said Rep. Brian Schatz. Advertiser library photo • Sept. 18, 2000

The joint hearing of the committees on Transportation, Economic Development and Business Concerns, and Tourism and Culture highlighted Hawai'i's continuing struggle to weigh the benefits of the growing cruise industry against the impacts of ship arrivals on the host islands.

"In places like Hilo they want this — the Hilo economy needs as many tourists as possible," said Rep. Brian Schatz, chairman of the House Committee on Economic Development and Business Concerns. "But the community members from Moloka'i who are expressing concerns really have some relevant ones."

Preliminary state figures for 2002 show cruise visitors spent about $166.5 million in Hawai'i and make up less than 4 percent of all visitors to the state. Their outlay on shore averaged $91.48 per day. Much of the economic activity derives from Norwegian Cruise Line's year-round Hawai'i-based operations.

But some Moloka'i residents, worried about the effects of the cruise visits on the environment and communities, are suing to stop them.

"It's not really clear to us who really benefits," said Walter Ritte Jr., an organizer of Moloka'i community group Hui Ho'opakele 'Aina. "In the long run, this thing might backfire in our faces."

Environmental law firm Earthjustice filed suit last month on behalf of Hui Ho'opakele 'Aina to prevent the first cruise ship stops on Moloka'i planned by Holland America and Princess Cruises PLC. A state judge set a hearing date for Jan. 22, when Holland America will make a second attempt to land at Kaunakakai.

"We well recognize that there are people on that island who today and maybe always may not welcome cruises," John Shively, Holland America's vice president of government and community relations, told legislators. "We think the environmental issues have been dealt with and we're happy to spend time discussing those community impacts."

Schatz said he would see if the Legislature can hold a community meeting on Moloka'i to discuss the cruise lines' plans, but whether that could take place before Jan. 22 was unclear.

Legislators also questioned a memorandum of understanding between then-Gov. Ben Cayetano and the North West CruiseShip Association, an industry group, on the cruise lines' environmental practices, including their wastewater discharges.

"The only part that makes me wonder is it seems to be a voluntary compliance scheme," Schatz said. "I'm not sure I agree that this is how Hawai'i does things."

But lawmakers were also open to some of the issues raised by the industry. North West CruiseShip Association President John Hansen said the cruise industry needs structural or cosmetic improvements to pier facilities at Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, Lahaina and Nawiliwili harbors.

To facilitate cruises, Schatz said the state could create a state port authority that may allow more financing for the harbors division.

Reach Kelly Yamanouchi at kyamanouchi@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2470.