Save Kauai brings together current information about Kauai and web-based tools that allow you to take action. If we want to affect the future of Kauai in a pono way we must organize and begin implementing solutions, not just fighting the problems.
Aloha 'Aina, Imua Kakou!
Respected Senate Members,
I would like to speak in favor of limiting/controlling the harmful emissions from large cruise ships while near shore or in port. As a vice principal of a school whose location is in close proximity to a state harbor, I have on numerous occasions experienced first hand the physically unsettling effects of breathing cruise ship exhaust (sometimes referred to as "bunker smoke"). I have also received reports from the teachers and students at my school of dizziness and nausea associated with breathing fumes carried to the school from a cruise ship that was in port very near to the school. I am not a social opponent of the cruise ship industry nor do I oppose the economic benefit that the cruise ship industry brings to our community. But that benefit can not be at the expense of our health and safety.
Educating our children and keeping them safe is difficult enough when the whole system is working smoothly. The process becomes considerably more challenging when environmental conditions become unsafe for school employees as well as the children. It would be irresponsible of me not to speak up on this issue on behalf of my school. Please do your part to insure the safety of our children and those who serve them. Pass this law in a form that insures the air we breathe will support our health and well being.
Paul Zina
Vice Principal
Kauai High School
3577 Lala Road
Lihue, HI. 96766
Office: (808)274-3173 ext.105
Fax: (808)274-3160