Coast Guard officials yesterday tried to reassure surfers, paddlers and other recreational users of Kahului Harbor that a security zone for the Hawaii Superferry will be lifted as soon as it is apparent there is no threat to public safety and port security from protesters opposing the new interisland service.

The security zone that goes into effect Dec. 6 prohibits anyone from entering harbor waters, except for a stretch of shoreline used by hotels and canoe clubs, during ferry operations. The zone will be activated an hour before the 350-foot ferry's arrival into Kahului Harbor and deactivated 10 minutes after its departure.

Hawaii Superferry's schedule calls for its high-speed catamaran, Alakai, to leave Honolulu at 6:30 a.m. and arrive at Kahului at 10:15 a.m., with departure for Honolulu at 11:15 a.m.

Coast Guard Lt. John Titchen said the security zone is meant as a temporary measure, and how long it remains in effect will depend on the extent and nature of any protests.

"The Coast Guard's intention is to resume a normal state of operations as quickly as possible," he said.

Similar security rules were put in place at Nawiliwili Harbor after protesters jumped into the water in an attempt to block the Alakai from docking in late August. Because of the protests, Hawaii Superferry has suspended Kaua'i service indefinitely.

Titchen said the security zone was established at Kahului Harbor because the Coast Guard believes "there are people who will demonstrate unlawfully" when the Superferry returns to Maui next week.

Officials with Maui Tomorrow, the Pacific Whale Foundation, Save Kahului Harbor and the Eastside Hui, which have announced plans for a series of roadside protests, have indicated the events will be conducted lawfully.

Titchen said the Coast Guard recognizes the varied public uses of the harbor and its surrounding waters, and is asking for patience during "a brief window during the day" when the security zone will be activated and "in recognition that this is temporary."

"It is not the Coast Guard's intention to take away any surf spots. It's so everyone who wants to be in the water at that time can be safe," he said.

To accommodate the beachfront canoe clubs and hotels, a narrow stretch of nearshore water was omitted from the security zone and will remain open, Titchen said.

A park area near the small-boat ramp on the breakwater will remain open, but boats will not be allowed to launch from the ramp while the ferry enters and exits the harbor, according to Michael Formby, head of harbors for the state Department of Transportation.

Dave Ward, president of seven-time state champion Hawaiian Canoe Club, said the organization accepted the previous 100-yard moving security zone for the ferry and has taken a neutral stance on the Superferry. The club has told its 300 members that none of its canoes are to be used for protests.

The club hosts year-round programs, such as an outdoor academy for students, and individual and team paddlers work out in the harbor throughout the day. Ward said the board of directors may have to rethink its position if it looks like the security zone is going to remain in effect for a long time.

"My hunch is that if it's a short-term measure, it will seem reasonable," he said. "It would put us in a very bad position if it were to continue long term."

Leaving the narrow area of nearshore water open "does very little for us," Ward said.

Although Titchen has since clarified, the Coast Guard's initial announcement of the security zone made no mention that it is intended as a temporary measure. Ward said it was "like throwing gasoline on the fire."

"I've talked to people who have nothing to do with canoe paddling, and they're infuriated. From what I can tell, they've just amplified the problem by a hundred or thousandfold," Ward said.

Hawaiian Canoe Club, which has been based at the harbor for decades, has seen its training area reduced over the years by security concerns and expanded port operations.

"We've got memory. We used to be able to use the whole harbor," Ward said.

Five high schools just began training in Kahului Harbor for the winter paddling season. They are there in the late afternoon, well past the time the security zone will be in effect. But during the Christmas break, some of the schools switch to training earlier in the day, and there is a regatta scheduled for Kahului Harbor on Feb. 2.

Kamehameha Schools Maui paddling coach Robert Brede said he would be more concerned if the security restrictions stretch into summer, during the club regatta season.

"That would be huge. We wouldn't be able to have races in Kahului Harbor," Brede said. "That cuts us out completely."

Eastside Hui, a group representing Native Hawaiians in remote East Maui, is planning a protest at the harbor on Saturday, and members will return Dec. 6 when the Alakai arrives, and on Dec. 8 for "A Rally for Maui" organized by several groups.

Hui member and taro farmer Steven Ho'okano, of Wailuanui, said the group is concerned that ferry passengers and their vehicles will contribute to the continuing decline of the region's subsistence resources. He said the Eastside Hui will be waving signs on several occasions "to get our voice out as much times as possible."

Ho'okano denied the group is planning anything other than peaceful demonstrations.

"It's not like we hate anybody. We love everybody, and we love our families enough to say, 'Stop fishing in our places.' "

The security measures were instituted under laws that grant the Coast Guard's captain of the port broad authority to impose emergency security zones. The temporary restrictions must be renewed every 30 days.

Titchen said the federal agency will continue working with state and county officials to assess the restrictions.

"It's not something that's going to be in place forever. It's a tool that the Coast Guard and state and county law enforcement agencies are using together to ensure public safety," he said.

The Coast Guard will be deploying personnel from throughout Hawai'i and the Mainland to manage the Maui security zone. County police and state sheriffs and conservation officers will be monitoring activities on shore.

"We anticipate a good sailing for Superferry into Kahului, but are preparing in case some decide to break the law to disrupt operations, but we hope it does not come to that," Formby said.

Assistant Chief Wayne Ribao, of the Maui Police Department, said he feels the security zone is "workable."

"If people respect it and don't cause any problems, down the road it can be adjusted and modified. It was put there to make things a little safer," he said.

Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.