From:            Kara Sweidel
To:                Commission-Public-Records
Subject:           [EXTERNAL] Allowing the return of cruise ships
Date:              Tuesday, May 25, 2021 7:36:30 AM

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Dear Port of Seattle Commissioners,
I am dismayed to hear that you will be allowing the return of cruise ships to our Seattle ports
as soon as July 24.
This is an act that is utterly incompatible with any idea to curb emissions that are the lead
drivers of climate change. It is therefore incompatible with the Port's stated goals of emission
reduction.
Additionally, as cruise ships fly "flags of convenience", they are not required to follow the
laws and emissions requirements of this country. This is specifically done by the industry to
avoid following climate regulations and proper management practices. We should not allow
that to fly (pun intended!) in our ports.
And I don't know how you think it is safe to bring hoardes of tourists into the city when we
have not yet beat COVID. The CDC may have made some poor choices relating to masking
rules, but the virus itself dictates what is happening. We do not yet know enough about
variants and vaccine longevity (especially in the face of variants) to be making decisions that
would allow an influx of people into our community. Dr. Jeff Duchin has wisely determined
that King County should continue masking. How will we possibly convey that to incoming
tourists from places with looser restrictions? You have a responsibility to the people of Seattle,
not to multinational corporations like Carnival and Holland America.
I am deeply disappointed in the choices you are making as a commission to allow cruise ships
to return. Please reconsider this so that your constituents, and all around the globe, will one
day have the hope of clean water and air.
Sincerely,
Kara Sweidel (they/them)
Unceded Duwamish territory (City of Seattle) resident
Future RN