#safari explorer

The vessel got off to a rocky start when it began visits to Molokaʻi in late 2011, amid concerns by about 40 protesters who at one point staged a water blockade.

The Coast Guard reopened the comment period for the interim rule that established a temporary security zone at Kaunakakai Harbor during visits of the Passenger Vessel Safari Explorer.

American Safari Cruises plans to resume regularly scheduled visits to Molokai on January 21, 2011. The cruise company said “an amicable agreement has been reached” with local groups, as well as state and federal authorities.

A group of protesters say a cruise ship “snuck back onto Molokai” after it was turned away a day earlier by a water blockade.

A group of residents on Molokai plan to hold a protest this Thursday in demonstration against a cruise ship company planning port calls on the island.