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American Safari Cruises docks at Molokai despite Saturday’s protest

One day after protestors blocked its landing on Molokai, an American Safari Cruises ship was apparently able to dock at Kaunakakai Wharf early Sunday morning.

On Saturday, protesters on boats and surfboards blocked the 145-foot expedition boat Safari Explorer and its 30 passengers from entering Kaunakakai Harbor.

Since October, American Safari has been offering seven-night luxury cruises around the Hawaiian Islands; the tour includes two days on Molokai. During two previous trips, protesters concerned over the impact of increased tourism to the island met the vessel on shore without incident.

Sunday’s arrival surprised protesters, who believed that American Safari had suspended the tours until both sides had an opportunity to resolve their concerns.

“Protesters scrambled out of bed to get down to the wharf to see the same ship they had stopped the day before now docked and unloading passengers,” said Walter Ritte, one of the protest leaders, in an email to local news media.

According to Ritte, the tourists were unable to reach their destination of Halawa Valley due to traffic and a fallen tree that was blocking the road.

 

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