FOES READY FOR SUPERFERRY RETURN
Associated Press - December 3, 2007
HONOLULU—Protesters and police are preparing for a possible confrontation when the Hawai`i Superferry returns to Maui this week, with some protesters talking about blocking its path, clogging traffic and facing arrest if necessary.
Inspired by successful protests in the water that stopped the ferry from docking at Kaua`i in August, some opponents say they may risk a clash with a heavy police force that is trying to close off most of the Maui harbor when the ferry approaches.
"All hell is going to break loose because they're angering the fishermen, the surfers, the paddlers and the small boat people," said Karen Chun, a member of the group Save Kahului Harbor.
"The Superferry has misjudged Maui because we have been holding our fire."
It's unclear how many protesters are determined to pursue illegal, nonviolent actions when the 350-foot passenger and vehicle catamaran makes its initial run to Maui on Thursday....
More than 30 Maui residents protested Saturday in Wailuku by holding signs saying "Abuse of Power" and "Cuz, No Take Superferry...."
"People got to do what they've got to do," said Steven Hookano, a taro farmer from Maui's east side. "Everything's up in the air, and people are going to react differently...."
A column published in the national magazine Surferspath.com called on protesters to "make the proper arrangements" and decide when it's "a good day to die" before risking illegal protests....
Peaceful demonstrations involving sign-waving and speeches are planned on Maui when the Superferry lands Thursday and again on the following Saturday....
Associated Press - December 3, 2007
HONOLULU—Protesters and police are preparing for a possible confrontation when the Hawai`i Superferry returns to Maui this week, with some protesters talking about blocking its path, clogging traffic and facing arrest if necessary.
Inspired by successful protests in the water that stopped the ferry from docking at Kaua`i in August, some opponents say they may risk a clash with a heavy police force that is trying to close off most of the Maui harbor when the ferry approaches.
"All hell is going to break loose because they're angering the fishermen, the surfers, the paddlers and the small boat people," said Karen Chun, a member of the group Save Kahului Harbor.
"The Superferry has misjudged Maui because we have been holding our fire."
It's unclear how many protesters are determined to pursue illegal, nonviolent actions when the 350-foot passenger and vehicle catamaran makes its initial run to Maui on Thursday....
More than 30 Maui residents protested Saturday in Wailuku by holding signs saying "Abuse of Power" and "Cuz, No Take Superferry...."
"People got to do what they've got to do," said Steven Hookano, a taro farmer from Maui's east side. "Everything's up in the air, and people are going to react differently...."
A column published in the national magazine Surferspath.com called on protesters to "make the proper arrangements" and decide when it's "a good day to die" before risking illegal protests....
Peaceful demonstrations involving sign-waving and speeches are planned on Maui when the Superferry lands Thursday and again on the following Saturday....
