Hawaii Superferry Hits Troubled Legal Waters

We noted that surfers protesting the new Hawaii Superferry blocked the giant catamaran from entering Kauai’s harbor for more than an hour Sunday. That was just the beginning of the ferry’s troubles. On Monday, according to Honolulu Advertiser, more than 50 surfers, swimmers and kayakers forced the ferry to turn back from Kauai’s Nawiliwili Harbor without docking. What’s more, a judge blocked the Superferry from using Maui’s Kahului Harbor, prompting the company to suspend trips to and from Maui.

“There is a hearing on August 29 and we are hopeful that the order will be lifted and we will resume operations to/from Maui on August 30,” the company said in a statement on its Web site. “Hawaii Superferry is operating all voyages to/from Kauai as regularly scheduled.” Environmentalists say the ferry, which carries cars and people and is the first of its kind to operate in the islands, poses dangers to whales and other wildlife, and they insist further environmental impact studies be completed.

Related on World Hum:
* Environmentalists Protest Launch of Hawaii Superferry

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