Hawaii Superferry showdown hinders environmental cleanup

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard has canceled its annual trip to collect tons of marine debris in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands because of looming showdown over the new Hawaii Superferry.

The Coast Guard was planning to deploy the cutter Kukui on a monthlong voyage to the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in late August when the mission was canceled.

Coast Guard spokesman Lt. John Titchen said the cancellation was because the cutter might have been needed to help provide security for the Superferry, which has remained idle for nearly a month because of protests and legal challenges. The ferry aims to provide car and passenger service from Honolulu to Maui and Kauai.

Environmental groups oppose the Superferry as a threat to the environment. The Superferry was turned around on Kauai by a flotilla of protesters on Aug. 27. The company intended to resume service this week, but on Friday announced it would suspend service to Kauai indefinitely because of public safety concerns.

Trips to Maui have been halted by a court order. Court hearings continue this week on both islands.

The Coast Guard has assisted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the cleanup trips to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands for years.

Seema Balwani, NOAA lead principal investigator for the marine debris removal program, said Kukui's planned voyage to Maro Reef had been expected to collect up to 10 tons of marine debris, which can trap or choke seals, sea turtles, whales and dolphins.

Hawaiian monk seals are endangered, with an estimated population of 1,200, most living in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

The Coast Guard's partnership in the cleanup was based on its availability, Balwani said.

"We understand they have homeland security and state support missions," Balwani said.