Ferry critics mark 1 year

LIHUE » Kauai residents held a small celebration yesterday to mark the anniversary of the Nawiliwili protest that blocked the Hawaii Superferry. About 100 people took part in a "Jam the Harbor" party in Nawiliwili Park.

Wednesday is the anniversary of the protest, which forced the vessel to return to Oahu with its passengers and cargo. It has not returned to Kauai.

Some surfers who took part in last year's demonstration said they will do it again if the Superferry tries to return without an environmental impact statement.

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LIHUE » About 100 people turned out for a "Jam the Harbor" party yesterday to mark Wednesday's anniversary of one of the most successful protests in Kauai history.

The party, which included a ceremonial paddle into Nawiliwili Harbor, a homemade jam-making contest and a musical jam, was held to celebrate a year without the Hawaii Superferry on Kauai, said Richard Hoeppner, of the People for the Preservation of Kauai.

"It's not a protest," he added. "It's a celebration."

On Aug. 27 the Superferry, on its second voyage to Kauai, was turned around outside Nawiliwili Harbor by surfers, bodyboarders, canoe paddlers and swimmers. A crowd of at least 1,000 sat near the harbor, watched and cheered when the ship headed back to Oahu without unloading its cargo.

It has not been back.

And a number of the people at the jam said they will be back in the water if the Alakai returns without a thorough environmental impact study.

Kilauea resident Scott Mijares, who was one of those in the water a year ago, said he ran for a seat on the County Council after seeing the frustration of his fellow residents.

"Literally, it changed my life," he said. "I went from an observer to a participant."

Others said the Superferry marked yet another example of the government ignoring the will of the people.

"When they came here, they came here illegally," said Hoeppner, whose PPK group has sued the Superferry over the lack of an environmental impact statement.

Hoeppner said he is still hoping that the Hawaii Supreme Court will rule that the Superferry should stop operating until a full, independent environmental study is done, not just the EIS the Superferry is currently undertaking as a result of a new law last year.

"If they pass (the full EIS), I will personally welcome them to Kauai," he added. "It's all about the law."

Juan Wilson, who watched the protest from the shore, said he expects protesters back if the Superferry returns.

"I believe the future of travel in Hawaii is boat travel," Wilson added, but it should not be at high speeds and it should not include cars.

"Residents on Kauai felt there was something to protect," said Jimmy Trujillo, an outspoken critic of the Superferry. "It's not a Kauai-versus-Oahu issue."

Trujillo, who also paddled out to block the ferry on its two trips to Kauai, said that he understands people want to come to Kauai to share and visit with family and friends.

"It's just that the Superferry is the least desirable way to travel, especially because of the environmental concerns and the traffic impacts," he added.

If the Alakai wants to come back to Kauai, Trujillo continued, it should do it at slower speeds, address all environmental concerns and be redesigned for fuel efficiency.

He said no one thought the protest would be as successful as it has been.

"We knew we would delay it," Trujillo said. "We knew we would inconvenience them."

They did not think it would stay away for a whole year, though.

"Awareness has spread," Hoeppner said. "People are realizing, 'By golly, we can do something.'"