My name is Scott Mijares and I am a resident of Kauai. I am a father, a business owner, a soccer coach, a homeowner and, by all accounts, a conservative Republican. I voted for George Bush for President and for you as Governor of our state.

In my 47 years, I have never been a party to a demonstration or rally, never placed a bumper sticker on my car; never carried a sign for any cause.

On the afternoon of August 26, 2007 that all changed. Yes, I was there at Nawiliwili Harbor that late afternoon and I plan to be there again on September 26th. I am not a dissident or a terrorist and do not wish to be characterized as such. I am only one of a growing number of good citizens who are desperate to have our voices heard by leaders like you. We are totally resolute in our belief that the Superferry should not be allowed to operate in Hawaiian waters until an EA is completed as prescribed by law.

I believe you are making a mistake by creating /enforcing a security zone for the Superferry when it comes to Kauai. You are setting the stage for an inevitable confrontation between citizens and law enforcement to facilitate the safe passage of the Superferry as it enters Nawiliwili Harbor. In the best-case scenario, Kauai will be seen by the world as a war zone with mothers, aunties, kapunas, and children being herded around by faceless officers in riot gear. The worst-case scenario will be that one or more citizens is badly hurt or even killed in the harbor waters. That would be devastating to our community and would certainly lead to extreme levels of civil unrest. Someone will have to be held responsible. If not you, then who?

I want you to know that I respect you and the authority that your office holds but I am concerned that you are underestimating the resolve of the people of Kauai. This is not a small group of dissidents. This a diverse group citizens that includes Kanakas, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, teachers, politicians and others who's level of sacrifice has yet to be tested.

As a Republican and a supporter of our President, I find myself constantly engaged in interesting debates with my fellow citizens. Inevitably the question is asked, " Would you send your son to fight in the Iraq War?" My response has always been this.

" My son is an adult and hopefully I have prepared him make his own decisions. If he decided to enlist in the military I would be very proud of him and I would support him 100%.

The other day I was talking with my oldest son Ryan. He is a senior at San Diego State University and will be going off to med school next year. He has been following the drama here in Hawaii via his computer and is truly saddened by what is happening. I told him that things are going to get pretty heavy here on September 26th and that I was contemplating entering the harbor. I told him that if I were arrested that he and his brother might have to leave college to care for their mother and sister. I was overwhelmed with emotion when he paused and said to me, "Dad I love you and I respect you. I know you will do the right thing. If you decide to go through with this I will be proud of you and I will support you 100%". (kids - they are amazing).

Governor Lingle. If this issue can get a conservative Republican contemplating such a huge sacrifice, what do you think is going through the minds of the average Kauaiian?.

Please come to Kauai and talk to the people. Our concerns are real. The law seems very clear to us. If there is an emergency threat to our island and you have to suspend the law so that Superferry can protect us, explain that threat to us. On the other hand, if you are using your authority to give law enforcement officers orders to arrest good citizens; citizens who feel like they are being denied their right to gather in their parks and assemble so a commercial enterprise can make some money while the courts decide their fate, then shame on you.

I look forward to meeting you again and hope that my perspective helps guide you in the future.

Sincerely,

Scott Mijares