Updated at 6:41 p.m., Sunday, August 26, 2007
Hundreds of protesters prevent Superferry docking at Kauai
Advertiser Staff
Hundreds of protesters on Kaua'i are blocking the entry of the Hawaii Superferry's vessel into Nawiliwili Harbor.The 350-foot Alakai arrived near the mouth of the harbor around 6 p.m. today but was turned back at the request of the Coast Guard due to the large gathering at the harbor, said John Garibaldi, Hawaii Superferry's president and chief executive officer.
About 500 passengers are on board the vessel, which launched its interisland passenger service this morning.
Garibaldi said the company will allow the Coast Guard to "take care of the situation" for safety reasons before it can dock. Garibaldi declined to estimate the number of protesters.
However, an Advertiser reporter at the scene said at least 250 people were on the docks or in the water protesting.
"We're at the mouth of the harbor and went in and at the request of the Coast Guard and we reversed out to maintain a safe situation there," Garibaldi said.
Earlier, dockings at Kahului Harbor and Honolulu Harbor went relatively smoothly today.
