Coast Guard eases Kahului Harbor rule

The security zone returns to a 100-yard buffer enforced for all ships in transit there

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
By Gary T. Kubota

KAHULUI » The Coast Guard has lifted its expanded security zone for the Hawaii Superferry in Kahului Harbor.

The Coast Guard said yesterday it was returning to the 100-yard security zone for transits of the Hawaii Superferry Alakai -- the same distance it enforces with cruise ships.

The change means surfers, canoe paddlers, fishermen, boaters and other recreational users may once again use Kahului Harbor at any time, provided they do not approach within 100 yards of the Alakai or any other large passenger vessel.

The Coast Guard adopted a temporary security zone that included almost the entire harbor on Thursday after a flotilla of surfers and swimmers blocked the arrival of the Superferry to Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai in late August.

Maui protesters including Maui Tomorrow and the Hawaii chapter of the Sierra Club made no attempt to block the transit of the Superferry during protests last week.

Lucienne de Naie of Sierra Club Hawaii said she was happy that the security zone was returning to normal.

"Everyone's glad that the whole situation is moving toward a more sensible direction," she said. "There's no need for overkill, and it was depriving harbor users, which were completely innocent, of their use of the harbor."

The Coast Guard said the expanded security zone could be reactivated if needed.

"Adopting the temporary security zone was absolutely essential to give county, state and federal law enforcement officers the necessary tools to deter and, if necessary, respond to acts of unlawful demonstration in Kahului Harbor," said Coast Guard Capt. Vince Atkins, captain of the port.

Coast Guard security zone for Kahului Harbor, Maui

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Q: What is a Coast Guard security zone?

A: Security zones are designated areas established by the U.S. Coast Guard to prevent injury or to safeguard ports and harbors. Establishing and enforcing maritime security zones is a routine mission for the Coast Guard nationwide. The purpose of the security zone in Kahului Harbor is to provide safety and security in the port during the Superferry's transit. Federal, state and county agencies will enforce the security zone.

Q: What part of Kahului Harbor does the security zone affect?

A: The security zone affects all waters of Kahului Harbor (except the shoreline access area described below) and extends out 2 nautical miles from the eastern and western breakwaters to include the entrance channel. There will also be a moving security zone extending 100 yards out from and centered on the Hawaii Superferry (when the vessel is within 3 nautical miles of the harbor).

Q: Is the entire harbor closed while the Superferry is transiting?

A: Shoreline access has been established in the water area enclosed by straight lines connecting the following points: the southwestern base of Maui Pier No. 2 to buoy "12"; buoy "10" to buoy "12"; and buoy "10" to the nearest shoreline point. This area is not part of the security zone and will be open to recreational users of Kahului Harbor. Some of this area may be identified by boom, a floating barrier commonly used for maritime pollution response.

 Q: Who enforces the security zone?

A: Responsibility for the safety and security of Kahului Harbor is shared by the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal, state and county authorities. Those who violate the security zone may be punished by up to 10 years federal imprisonment and/or civil penalties of $32,500. In addition, security zone violators could face state and county fines and/or imprisonment. The U.S. Coast Guard is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the maritime environment in Hawaii.
 Q: Is Kahului Harbor now closed to the public because of a security zone?

A: The fixed security zone will be in effect one hour prior to the Hawaii Superferry's arrival through 10 minutes after its departure. Mariners may request permission to enter the security zone by contacting contact Kahului Harbor on VHF radio channel 12 or by calling (808) 927-0865.