KAHULUI, Maui — Groups that have opposed the operation of the Hawaii Superferry before an environmental assessment can be performed met with police this week to discuss rules governing public demonstrations.

The groups, which include Maui Tomorrow and the Pacific Whale Foundation, have announced "A Rally for Maui" to be held Dec. 8, two days after the new interisland ferry resumes service to Kahului Harbor. They are not planning any organized demonstrations for the vessel's arrival on Dec. 6, although protests are expected.

"We want to make sure that what we do is lawful and peaceful, and decided it was better to organize something than to leave it up to individuals," said Irene Bowie, executive director of Maui Tomorrow, a nonprofit citizens planning group that has been involved in a variety of water, land use, housing and environmental issues.

She said the rally is being held on a Saturday to allow more people to participate. It will begin at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Pu'unene and Ka'ahumanu avenues, the main outlet for Hawaii Superferry passengers and vehicles.

Bowie said participants are being encouraged to display messages showing support for the state's environmental laws and publicizing the potential impacts of the high-speed ferry on humpback whales, the spread of invasive species and other issues.

The rally organizers requested a meeting with Maui Police Department officials "to get a clear idea of what we can and cannot do," Bowie said.

Deputy Police Chief Gary Yabuta said that during an informal meeting Monday, police provided information on county laws regarding sign-waving along roadways. The groups also were told that police will enforce the law "and that there will be no leniency," he said.

"We reminded them that our responsibility is the safety of all citizens, including those who have a right to protest, and to protect their right to protest," Yabuta said. "We have to make sure their event is safe, and if we have to enforce the laws designed to ensure their safety, we will."

Karen Chun of Save Kahului Harbor questioned whether the county rules comply with legal guidelines for public demonstrations determined by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The rules, which include a 6-foot setback from the curb and standing well clear of traffic signals and crosswalks, are being reviewed by county attorneys, Yabuta said.

Bowie said, "We definitely don't want to do anything to obstruct traffic or cause any safety problems. We want to cooperate."

The Coast Guard is planning its own security rules for Kahului Harbor when the ferry is in port, but details have not been announced.

Chun said that if the federal security zone closes off the entire harbor to surfers, fishermen, paddlers and all others, there likely will be a bigger reaction.

"As long as (Gov. Linda Lingle) doesn't let them close off the entire harbor, we've got a chance to keep civil disobedience to a minimum," Chun said.

Save Kahului Harbor is not mustering protesters for the Superferry's return, but Chun said she wouldn't be surprised to see a large number of people on Dec. 6. The group has put out a message that any protests should be peaceful and not aimed at police or ferry passengers.

"We cannot control everybody, but we're trying to shape the message so that people are inspired to be legal and respectful," she said.

Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.