POLICE STATE COMES TO MAUI FOR SUPERFERRY SECURITY ZONE
WAILUKU » Vessels and surfboards could be confiscated and forfeited and violators could face up to 10 years in prison if a security zone around the Hawai`i Superferry is breached during its transit into Kahului Harbor, the Coast Guard warns.
A felony conviction could also result in a criminal fine of up to $10,000 and civil penalties of up to $32,500 for each violation, the Coast Guard noted yesterday as it issued its security guidelines for the ferry's return to Maui.
The Coast Guard, along with state, federal and county agencies, plans to enforce a security zone around the Superferry at Kahului Harbor beginning with its startup on Dec. 6.
A protest rally has been planned for Dec. 8 by some groups, including Maui Tomorrow, the Sierra Club and the Pacific Whale Foundation.
Maui Tomorrow Executive Director Irene Bowie said the rally will be peaceful and was scheduled for a Saturday to make attendance easier for those working during the week.
Bowie said the security zone is broader than she expected and appears to include the small boat launch, surfing areas and places where people go diving for octopus.
"This looks pretty heavy-handed coming to an island with no civil disobedience," Bowie said. "I'm stunned by the heavy-handedness of this. I think with this there's going to be a lot more people alienated."
