Predictably, legal jousting began three weeks later when the watercraft association responded by joining several other plaintiffs and filing a complaint in Whatcom County that seeks to overturn the ban. Citing sections of the Washington state constitution and common law, the personal watercraft association complaint argues that citizens have a fundamental right to free access and use of state waters for travel and recreation, and says the ordinance flies in the face of a state attorney general's opinion prohibiting counties from establishing waterway prohibitions. Industry analysts say personal watercraft account for 36 percent of powerboat sales. County officials say they are more concerned with the health of the islands' economy. For openers, this is a serious economic issue.
Tourism is one of the two largest sectors of the island's economy.
His argument includes testimony from vacationers put off by the watercraft's high-pitched engine. There is no question that when these watercraft travel at 60 to 70 miles per hour, they are disrupting our wildlife. They are particularly harmful to waterfowl and shorebirds, since they are able to travel so close to shore. Drivers of these vehicles are looking for speed and thrills, and common sense says endangered wildlife are unable to get out of their way. His sentiments are echoed by Rhea Miller, chair of the commissioners, who characterizes the ordinance as preventive maintenance.