Updated at 6:01 p.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Moving security zone adopted for Superferry in Maui
Advertiser Staff
The Coast Guard will enforce a 100-yard moving security zone at Maui's Kahului Harbor for transits of the Hawaii Superferry Alakai, it was announced in a news release today.Surfers, paddlers, fishermen, boaters and other recreational users may use Kahului Harbor at any time, subject to the restriction they do not approach within 100 yards of the Alakai or any other large passenger vessels when they are in the harbor, the Coast Guard release stated.
The Coast Guard adopted a temporary security zone which included almost the entire port on Dec. 13 as a means of promoting public safety during the transit of the Alakai in and around the harbor. The temporary security zone expires Jan. 31, 2008, but, in the interim, remains a tool the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies can use to ensure public safety.
The temporary security zone is still in effect and could be reactivated if needed. Another security zone could be crafted and activated Jan. 31, when the current one expires.
"Adopting the temporary security zone was absolutely essential to give county, state, and federal law enforcement officers the necessary tools to deter and, if necessary, respond to acts of unlawful demonstration in Kahului Harbor," said Coast Guard Capt. Vince Atkins, captain of the port.
