Lingle Announces Superferry To Resume Kauai ServiceLaw Enforcement Officials Prepared To Make ArrestsPOSTED: 4:34 pm HST September 12,
2007 The governor and the Coast Guard on Wednesday announced that the Hawaii Superferry will resume service to Kauai on Sept. 26. There will be increased security and a wider zone where protesters must stay away or face arrest, officials said. There will be one major change. The Superferry is going to change its schedule. Gov. Linda Lingle said the state and Coast Guard asked the Superferry to travel to Kauai during the daylight hours, instead of its regularly scheduled evening arrival. It will be easier for law enforcement and protesters to see things during the day, officials said. The Superferry's arrival in Nawiliwili is tentatively set for about 11 a.m. "It's not our desire or preference to arrest and prosecute people, but no one should mistake the restraint that was shown initially as a lack of resolve on our part," Lingle said. The governor met with state law enforcement officials and the Coast Guard for one hour behind closed doors, working out how different county, state and federal agencies would arrest and prosecute protesters if they breach an expanded security zone around the controversial ferry. "The plan moved us toward restoring our state's reputation as a not only a place to do business, but a place where people respect the points of view of all people," Lingle said. Last month, Coast Guard crews were out-maneuvered by protesters on surfboards. The Coast Guard made no arrests. "None of us were prepared for that level of passion and determination to halt the Superferry's transit. Absolutely, that was not something that we were expecting," Adm. Sally Brice O'Hara said. Kauai police arrested people who faced less-stringent state charges, instead of strict federal charges before, but now, the Coast Guard's rear admiral in charge said law enforcement will be ready. "And if people choose to violate the terms of that security zone, there will be enforcement," O'Hara said. "It is my sincere hope that people will obey the law and will not force us to arrest and prosecute citizens of our state," Attorney General Mark Bennett said. The governor said she plans to travel to Kauai before Sept. 26 to meet face-to-face with Superferry opponents and supporters.
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