Updated at 3:47 p.m., Friday, September 7, 2007
Judge denies effort to halt Superferry service to Kauai
By Joan Conrow
Special to The Advertiser
Although Valenciano denied the request by 1000 Friends of Kauai, an environmental group, and Rich Hoeppner, a Kauai resident, a hearing has been set for Sept. 17 to consider a permanent restraining order against ferry service pending completion of an Environmental Assessment.
After Thursday's hearing on the TRO request, Superferry Chief Executive John Garibaldi said, "We're looking forward to resuming service as soon as possible."
But he said the company would first meet with the Coast Guard, Kauai County officials and the community before deciding when to bring the ferry back to Kauai. "It's not a unilateral decision," he said.
Carl Berg of 1000 Friends of Kauai said, "I'm very disappointed that Judge Valenciano decided not to issue the TRO and I have great fears that Mr. Garibaldi will go forth and illegally bring Hawaii Superferry to Kauai."
"I think there will be massive protests if Mr. Garibaldi decides to bring the boat to Kaua before a decision is made on the 17th," Berg said. "I think the protests will be loud and large."
But Berg said his group is not organizing any illegal protests. "1000 Friends of Kauai does not approve or condone illegal actions and is not organizing such actions. We prefer to work through environmental law."
