The head of the Molokai Chamber of Commerce said Thursday he fears the "erosion of the rule of law" after American Safari Cruises canceled a Dec. 16 visit to the island because of protests.
The boat was turned away last month by protesters who blocked Kaunakakai harbor in part because they fear the loss of fish and other sustainable island resources. The company canceled a tour on Dec. 2-3 and began working with the community to find a way to bring in the small eco-tours.
Chamber President Robert Stephenson said he worries when businesses are held to answer to special interests for actions that are legally permissible.
"There are well-established and clearly defined laws that should not be arbitrarily changed," Stephenson said.
"We all count on this to maintain orderly and peaceful conduct, which allows us to live the aloha spirit."
American Safari Cruises owner Dan Blanchard, who was in Molokai last week to meet with residents, said in an email this week that the company plans further talks with Molokai people to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
Blanchard said his business was continuing to work with state, federal and local representatives about "concerns brought forth in the last community meeting on Molokai."
The company discontinued its tours after some Native Hawaiians in small boats and on surfboards blocked the entrance to the harbor Nov. 26, preventing an American Safari Cruise yacht from docking with 30 passengers.
The yacht docked on Nov. 27, but its caravan of passengers had a shortened land tour to East Molokai after a fallen tree and stalled car blocked the main road to Halawa Valley.
Protest leader Walter Ritte said a public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Mitchell Pauole Center to advance the idea of developing a sustainable resource plan applicable to ship visitors.
He said the plan is being developed in light of a failure of prior governmental efforts to protect Molokai’s natural resources, including fish.
"How much more can we lose before we wake up?" he said.
American Safari Cruises promotes its Hawaii cruise as an "active, adventure un-cruise." The boat carries a maximum of 36 passengers who are invited to help restore ancient taro terraces and make poi during their two-day visits to Molokai, according to the company’s website.
"We’ve spent six years nurturing relationships with local businesses and families in Hawaii," Blanchard said on the website. "Introducing our guests to the traditional culture and history of the Hawaiian Islands is a key component of the trip and crucial to our philosophy of authentic travel."
