An interisland luxury yacht that halted Molokai port calls after protests will return to Kaunakakai this weekend. A security zone will be in place upon its entry and exit.
When American Safari Cruises sailed its luxury yacht into Kaunakakai Harbor in November, protestors on boats and surfboards formed a blockade.
"We no like protesting but we had to, that’s the only way people were going to listen," said Kalaniua Ritte, an activist.
"One small cruise ship came here, it wasn’t one of the large ones, but we’re worried that the larger ones are going to come in. So let’s make an example out of this one. Let’s have them stop, make some rules for govern our island, our own rules, that these ships have to abide by before they come here."
The 36-passenger ship left and took that stop off its itinerary pending community meetings, where it was agreed protestors wouldn’t blockade for the rest of the ship’s season through May, as long as momentum of a framework for development is maintained.
"We’re not going to be dancing hula, welcoming (them) in like that. We made a deal, we made an agreement with our community, with our kupuna, with out keiki, that our word is good," said activist Hanohano Naehu.
"Molokai is feeling the cumulative impacts of activities wanting to come to Molokai, and the community just wants to have a say in what tourism will look like," said Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairman William Aila.
That dialog continued Tuesday as the State Department of Transportation, Department of Land and Natural Sesources, and the U.S. Coast Guard presented a plan for the boat’s return. It includes a security zone covering the channel and harbor during the ship’s arrival Saturday morning, and its departure the next day. They say it’s necessary because a handful of people still threatened to protest in the water.
"It’s really going to be as-needed, so right now we’re hoping that things will go well," said U.S. Coast Guard Commander Captain Joanna Nunan.
"Part of it is to protect public safety. Part of it is to protect the security of the port. Part of it is to protect the environment, and also facilitate commerce."
Many at the meeting — for, against or neutral about the ship itself — took issue with the security zone having to be invoked.
"(It’s) not fair to me and the people who are standing in the middle of all this bull****."
"Well maybe we don’t want this vessel then, if this is what it’s going to cause people."
"This is the superferry all over again. And we know what happened with the superferry."
"Now as one protestor who love this island, and would do anything for protect our natural resource, you guys making me feel like one terrorist."
"What I want you to do is think about what makes them more important than us, number one."
The coast guard is accepting public comments also by phone, fax and email, and the port captain can adjust the size and scope of the zone. He can also grant approvals for passage through it at her discretion. Many residents say they’ll still protest on the dock as allowed; many others say they’ll welcome the visitors.
"It’d be something for the economy, even if it only created a coupe of jobs, but it’s something. They spend a little bit of money around the town, around the island, and they learn a little bit about Molokai," said resident Chuck Mcmille.
Visitors themselves say they understand the disagreements.
"I understand his point of view, and i’m sure if I lived here I’d feel the same way," said Marianne Lunak, who is visiting from Oregon.
"This island is so beautiful and pristine in itself and you don’t want a whole lot of tourists coming in to destroy it, but on the other hand the economy needs tourism," said Jan Bonin, from Louisiana.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
