Honolulu Record, August 2, 1951, vol. 4 no. 1, p.14
Criticism of the choice of the craft, "Abner T. Longley," by Ben C. Rush of the harbor commission, has not ceased. Critics say the fireboat is not adequate for the needs of Honolulu harbor because
this harbor is "outside," or unprotected from the open sea. Although the Longley is similar to boats used at Philadelphia and Galveston, a shipping master says, "Philadelphia is 90 miles up a river and Galveston isn't as open as the port here. If the boat ever has to go to sea, she'll turn over."
The shipping master pointed out that if a ship bearing explosives were to catch fire, it would be the function of the fireboat to tow her out to the open sea where a possible explosion would not damage the harbor. He maintained that the craft was chosen by experts from the Propeller Club rather than by maritime experts.
"She really out to be called," he said, " 'Rush's Folly.' "