The 866-passenger Hawaiian Superferry has begun operations despite months of controversy over its environmental consequences. With an environmental impact statement due in 18 months and plenty of opponents, the Superferry is not yet in the clear.
"On Dec. 13, after four months of lawsuits, protests and politics, the Hawaii Superferry finally started service between Honolulu and Maui. The 350-foot catamaran, which can accommodate 866 passengers and 286 cars, promises to revolutionize travel between the islands by allowing people to travel with their cars and possessions, instead of people flying and cars traveling - empty - on barges."
"But critics of the Superferry say that the controversy the ferry generated by sidestepping - at least for now - an assessment of its possible environmental effects goes much further than how many calving humpback whales the 850-ton catamaran may kill as it slices through the waves at 40 m.p.h. The Superferry has to produce an environmental impact statement within 18 months, and local protesters say increased congestion and loss of access to beaches from the spread of luxury vacation homes must be considered."
FULL STORY: Not in My Tropical Backyard
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont