Moloka'i cruise ship trial delayed

Advertiser Staff

WAILUKU, Maui — A Maui Circuit Court judge today delayed for two weeks a decision whether to require an environmental review before cruise shipscan shuttle passengers into Moloka'i's Kaunakakai Harbor.

Judge Shackley Raffetto said he wanted more time to review a brief that was submitted late. He continued the hearing until Feb. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

The environmental advocacy law firm Earthjustice filed the suit on behalf of the Moloka'i community group Hui Ho'opakele 'Aina, which fears environmental and social impacts to the island.

In addition to going to court, the group has organized protests against the Holland America Line cruise ship Statendam, which has canceled its first two scheduled visits to Moloka'i for reasons unrelated to the opposition. The next scheduled stop is April 15.