The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1903-02-02

a few miles Of the channel. bears in
There is absolutely no danger to him
from the presence of lights on Japan
csc sampans along that portion of the
coast line. On the other hand, a vessel
coming from the other direction steers
from Diamond Head so as to come TO
point about mile to sea off the en-
trance to the harbor. This navigator
Is not bothered about any lights along
the water until he gets close up to the
neighborhood of the bell buoy.
The Collector should have borne tbasa
tacts IN mind before the recent unjust
order was made. The japanese find
the use of the lights on their sannons
necessary to catch fish: The com
hunlty suffers if fish are NOT caugb+
10 deprive a man of his rights m s,oh
al extent as does this order is unfair
mere is no danger whatever TO incop,-
ing or outgoing vessels by the usa of
Hghts on the sampans eXcept when
near the entrance to the harbor The
use OF the lights should be discontinu-
cd Tor a reasonable distance on both
SIDES OF the entrance of the harbor but
not for any seventeen miles along the
coast.
In his desire to avoid a conflict tba
acIlhg Japanese Consul did not make
any protest on this matter bevono re-
porting the circumstances TO his Min
lister at Washington. In doing so the
local representative acted under q mis-
apprehension that the craft of his conn
TyHleh carried iare-up lights. As a
matter Of act steady light is used.
This light seems to brighten up how
ever as the swell rises or falls. as il
is down close to the water. The Ja,-l
ahese nave excellent grounds for prn-
'eSuhg' The recent order issued by the
collector is on its face, without reason
able warrant. 1t says that the use of
lare-up lights are to be discontinued
NO such lights have ever been used.
Yet the Collector insists that because
the hshts are down so near the water,
and rising and falling with the swell
present the appearance under some
conditions of flare-up lights, that they
are tiare-up lights, and al any rate has
given the japanese fishermen to UNDER
stand that his order includes the lights
that have been in use. His position
gives him the moral power to enforce
his contention on the poor japanese /
fishermen whether it is right or wrong.
What Dractica1 pboDca l,o,o 49,, a..
test the matter? If they had money
enough to test their rights they would |
MT be obliged to be engaged in the la !
borious and hazardous occupation of
fishing for a living,
The whole spirit Of the laws relating |
to lights on vessels is to encourage Their
use, not to discourage it.
Even if tiare-up lights were used, the I.
japanese and this community as well, !
would have good reason to protest the /.
enforcement of the Collectors sweeping
order. 1t is without adequate reason |
and works a downright injustice. The |
japanese would be very foolish indeed }
if they discontinued fishing with the aid |
of lights at night, except in the imme-
diate neighborhood of the actual en-
trance to the harbor. 1t is understood |
that the Collector threatens them with ,
prosecution if they do so. We hold t.
the belief that such action on his part
should and would result in his course
being overruled by the Treasury D.,
partments or the courts, an experience
that is not altogether unknown to Mr..
Let Justice guide the enactment of
laws and Reason, their administration.