SUPERFERRY NOT WELCOME ON KAUA`I - PERIOD!
Kaua`i opponents will not be welcoming the Hawai`i Superferry any time soon.
Yesterday about 150 people came to Kaua`i Community College for two public meetings held as part of the environmental impact study being done by contractor Belt Collins. Every speaker said the Superferry's ship, Alakai, should not return until the study is finished.
And a vast number of speakers, both in the afternoon and evening sessions, said that no matter what Belt Collins issues as part of its report, the company and the state's credibility will always be questioned, and the ship will not be welcome.
"This is a sham," said Rich Hoeppner. "I guarantee you if the ferry comes to Kaua`i, that ferry will never get back to its dock at Nawiliwili."
Hoeppner, part of the Thousand Friends of Kaua`i group that sued the Superferry and the state over the environmental study process, said that hundreds have told him they will swim out to block the ship's return, despite repeated threats from the U.S. Coast Guard and the state.
"That's not a threat," he said between the meetings. "That's a guarantee."
