Protesters turn back Superferry By Nathan Eagle – The Garden Island Despite an added local, state and federal law enforcement presence in and out of the water, more than 60 surfers, swimmers, kayakers and outrigger canoe paddlers on Aug. 27,
Protesters turn back Superferry
By Nathan Eagle – The Garden Island
Despite an added local, state and federal law enforcement presence in and out of the water, more than 60 surfers, swimmers, kayakers and outrigger canoe paddlers on Aug. 27, 2007, clogged Nawiliwili Harbor and prevented Hawaii Superferry from docking.
On shore, more than 1,000 residents lined the narrow jetty road, many waving “Bury the Ferry” signs and shouting, “Go home.”
The protests marked a fever pitch of opposition to the ferry’s operation without an environmental review, and received national media attention.
The Supreme Court had ruled a few days earlier that the state Transportation Department erred as a matter of law when it exempted Superferry from an environmental review. Sailing in the face of court orders, the inter-island catamaran was hauling its second-ever load of passengers and cars traveling from Honolulu on deeply discounted $5 fares.
Protesters the previous evening stalled the unloading of Superferry customers arriving on the vessel’s first official service run to the Garden Isle. But on Aug. 27, Hawaii Superferry turned back to O‘ahu three hours after its scheduled arrival, as law enforcement proved unable to deter the demonstrators.
Service to Kaua‘i was then suspended indefinitely.
Less than a month later, with tensions still flaring, Gov. Linda Lingle and an entourage of top-ranking county, state and federal officials hosted an open dialogue with community members on Sept 20. More than 1,000 residents packed the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall and greeted her with a mixed storm of boos, cheers and bursts of applause as she explained a new security rule.
On Oct. 9, Maui Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza ruled in favor of three environmental groups by ordering Superferry to suspend service to Kahului Harbor until the assessment was completed — a ruling in accordance with the state’s highest court. Attorneys on Kaua‘i also attempted to bar the ferry’s return to the Garden Isle.
Meanwhile, Superferry officials threatened to pull the $300 million project from the islands if forced to remain idle during the review — a process that could take months or possibly years to complete. It also furloughed 249 of its 308 employees Oct. 12.
Answering Lingle’s request for a special session to address the predicament, state legislators authored and passed a law on Oct. 30 to allow the company to operate under some added restrictions while a comprehensive environmental impact statement is completed. It also created an oversight task force.
Although the “Alakai” still has not set plans to return to Kaua‘i since service stopped in August, trips resumed Dec. 13 to Maui. Passengers said the turbulent voyage made for a nauseating three-hour experience.
Last week, the ferry canceled numerous consecutive trips between Maui and O‘ahu because of the high seas — yet another challenge for the beleaguered business.
