American Safari Cruises has canceled stops scheduled for Dec. 16 and 17 at Molokai’s Kaunakakai port, as the company continues discussions with community leaders regarding its plans for the island.
“In respect for the continuing discussions, the Safari Explorer yacht will not visit Molokai as planned on its next voyage,” American Safari CEO Dan Blanchard said in a Dec. 7 statement. “We are committed to our vendors and supporters on Molokai. We look forward to reaching a mutually agreeable resolution and our peaceful return to Molokai soon.”
On Nov. 30, Blanchard met with a group of about 200 Molokai residents who are seeking input into the island’s tourism strategy. The meeting was organized after 14 protesters on surfboards and small boats prevented the 36-passenger Safari Explorer from docking at Kaunakakai on Nov. 26.