Post by ferryfast admin on Dec 3, 2007 15:16:44 GMT -5
Foes ready for Hawaii Superferry return
By MARK NIESSE Associated Press Writer
www.mercurynews.com/travel/ci_7623553?nclick_check=1
Article Launched: 12/03/2007 07:40:27 AM PST
HONOLULU—Protesters and police are preparing for a possible confrontation when the Hawaii Superferry returns to Maui this week, with some protesters talking about blocking its path, clogging traffic and facing arrest if necessary.
Inspired by successful protests in the water that stopped the ferry from docking at Kauai in August, some opponents say they may risk a clash with a heavy police force that is trying to close off most of the Maui harbor when the ferry approaches.
"All hell is going to break loose because they're angering the fishermen, the surfers, the paddlers and the small boat people," said Karen Chun, a member of the group Save Kahului Harbor. "The Superferry has misjudged Maui because we have been holding our fire."
It's unclear how many protesters are determined to pursue illegal, nonviolent actions when the 350-foot passenger and vehicle catamaran makes its initial run to Maui on Thursday.
Mainstream environmental groups and authorities are urging demonstrators to stay within designated protest areas, and a so-called "unified command" of law enforcement agencies is ready to enforce 10-year sentences and $32,500 in fines for those who violate harbor security zones.
So far, there has been less tension on Maui than on Kauai, where the Superferry still hasn't announced a return date while it tries to appease the community. More than 30 Maui residents protested Saturday in Wailuku by holding signs saying "Abuse of Power" and
"Cuz, No Take Superferry."
"We're hoping we don't have any illegal protesting or attempts to stop the ferry," said Mike Formby, deputy director of harbors for the state Department of Transportation. "We don't really equate what happened on Kauai with what we expect on Maui."
But some Maui ferry opponents say civil disobedience may be necessary to stop the ferry from ruining their pristine environment and small-town way of life. They're also concerned that it will collide with endangered whales, bring traffic jams and spread invasive species.
"People got to do what they've got to do," said Steven Hookano, a taro farmer from Maui's east side. "Everything's up in the air, and people are going to react differently."
Superferry opponents have exhausted most of their legal options.
After the Hawaii Supreme Court and a lower court ruled that the Superferry would need to complete an environmental study before it could run, the state Legislature passed a law Oct. 31 overriding the courts to put the boat back in the water.
A column published in the national magazine Surferspath.com called on protesters to "make the proper arrangements" and decide when it's "a good day to die" before risking illegal protests.
"If people are considering blocking the ferry, then they need to consider the consequences," said Jim Albertini, one of the piece's writers. He served more than a year in prison himself for a 1984 water protest against a nuclear warship docking on the Big Island. "It's a charged atmosphere, and people will be taking direct action," he said.
Peaceful demonstrations involving sign-waving and speeches are planned on Maui when the Superferry lands Thursday and again on the following Saturday.
"We will do all we can to ask people to please stay within lawful activities," said Irene Bowie, executive director for Maui Tomorrow. "If things go beyond that, we would certainly know and expect the police department to do what they have to do to ensure everyone's safety."
Law enforcement agencies won't talk about tactics, personnel or vessels they plan to deploy, but they have been coordinating efforts to make sure this protest doesn't catch them off-guard like the one on Kauai did.
It's unknown how they would safely arrest people in the water and whether they'll be armed with tasers, clubs or tear gas.
Everyone says they hope it doesn't come to that.
"We have confidence in the community of Maui that they will be civil and respectful of everyone's safety and everyone's rights," said Terry O'Halloran, director of business development for the Superferry.
The new security zone around the ferry and Maui's Kahului Harbor will be strictly enforced until fears over protest actions subside, said Coast Guard spokesman Lt. John Titchen.
Residents should be aware that this security zone is a temporary measure, and the harbor will be reopened after the Superferry establishes itself, he said.
Even some of the most extreme ferry opponents are telling demonstrators not to risk long prison sentences because they believe the Superferry will go out of business anyway.
"I've seen a mixture happen. Some people are peaceful with candlelight vigils and sign-waving, and you will also see people who are more aggressive," said John Tyler, a life guard and author of boycottsuperferry.org.
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On the Net:
Hawaii Superferry: hawaiisuperferry.com/