Kauai judge declines to block Superferry
A Kauai judge has declined to issue a temporary restraining order against the Hawaii Superferry.
Circuit Court Judge Randal Valenciano's decision on Friday means the Superferry could resume service to Kauai, but Superferry officials said they haven't decided when they will sail.
Valenciano denied the request by 1000 Friends of Kauai, an environmental group, and Rich Hoeppner, a Kauai resident, to block the ferry from the island. But he set a hearing for Sept. 17 to consider a request for a permanent restraining order against the Superferry until the state completes its environmental assessment of harbors to be used by the ship.
Nawiliwili Harbor was the scene of protests last week that led to the decision by Superferry officials to stop Kauai service until the U.S. Coast Guard could secure the harbor. The prospect of more protests still hangs over the Superferry and it's not clear that the Coast Guard and local police have come up with a way of safely keeping the protesters from blocking the ferry.
The Superferry issued this statement on Friday afternoon: "We are pleased with the decision by Judge Valenciano. Hawaii Superferry is grateful for the support and excitement shown by the residents of Hawaii. We look forward to resuming service and providing the people of Hawai'i with a safe and reliable inter-island ferry system. A date for the resumption of service to and from Kaua'i has not yet been set."
Carl Berg of 1000 Friends of Kauai told The Honolulu Advertiser: "I'm very disappointed that Judge Valenciano decided not to issue the TRO and I have great fears that Mr. (John) Garibaldi will go forth and illegally bring Hawaii Superferry to Kauai."
Garabaldi is CEO of the Hawaii Superferry.
Circuit Court Judge Randal Valenciano's decision on Friday means the Superferry could resume service to Kauai, but Superferry officials said they haven't decided when they will sail.
Valenciano denied the request by 1000 Friends of Kauai, an environmental group, and Rich Hoeppner, a Kauai resident, to block the ferry from the island. But he set a hearing for Sept. 17 to consider a request for a permanent restraining order against the Superferry until the state completes its environmental assessment of harbors to be used by the ship.
Nawiliwili Harbor was the scene of protests last week that led to the decision by Superferry officials to stop Kauai service until the U.S. Coast Guard could secure the harbor. The prospect of more protests still hangs over the Superferry and it's not clear that the Coast Guard and local police have come up with a way of safely keeping the protesters from blocking the ferry.
The Superferry issued this statement on Friday afternoon: "We are pleased with the decision by Judge Valenciano. Hawaii Superferry is grateful for the support and excitement shown by the residents of Hawaii. We look forward to resuming service and providing the people of Hawai'i with a safe and reliable inter-island ferry system. A date for the resumption of service to and from Kaua'i has not yet been set."
Carl Berg of 1000 Friends of Kauai told The Honolulu Advertiser: "I'm very disappointed that Judge Valenciano decided not to issue the TRO and I have great fears that Mr. (John) Garibaldi will go forth and illegally bring Hawaii Superferry to Kauai."
Garabaldi is CEO of the Hawaii Superferry.
posted by ams at 2:21 PM
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