Updated at 3:46 p.m., Friday, September 7, 2007
Authorities stress safety ahead of Superferry Maui trip
Advertiser Staff
The state Department of the Transportation, the Coast Guard and the Sierra Club this afternoon reminded any potential protesters that a one-time voyage by Hawaii Superferry between Honolulu and Maui tomorrow has been sanctioned by Maui Circuit Court.The voyage will allow Superferry customers to pick up vehicles that were stranded in Honolulu and Maui after Superferry trips were canceled last week.
The Coast Guard and the state will provide escorts for the Alakai during its run. A federal security zone exists 100 yards around the ferry and protesters who violate the zone can face arrest and fines.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to do this without much difficulty," said Barry Fukunaga, the director of the state Department of Transportation, at a news conference at the Honolulu federal building.
Coast Guard Rear Adm. Sally Brice-O'Hara said authorities have tried to ensure that the voyage will have no significant impact to recreational users at Kahului Harbor.
Authorities have heard that protests are possible.
Jeff Mikulina, the director of the Sierra Club Hawaii chapter, said the club is asking protesters not to disrupt the voyage.
"We would expect any protesters to be abiding by our laws, just as we are asking Superferry to abide by our laws," he said.
