The first chapter of the book is titled "Superferry, the Movie," but it actually started out being a stage play.

Filmmaker Koohan Paik transcribed the testimony given at that fateful Kaua'i public hearing with Gov. Linda Lingle ... the one following the dramatic protest of Superferry at Nawiliwili Harbor ... the one where the governor got booed. Much more was said than "boo," and Paik wanted to document that.

"I was so incredibly moved and inspired by the drama of all these voices speaking out in defense of the 'aina, of humanity and of democratic values," Paik said in an e-mail interview. "It was theater at its finest — but it was for real!"

The stage play got as far as auditions and a cast, but ended up being too much to pull off. Still, Paik wanted a way to tell the story of the dramatic — and effective — protest.

Her friend, author Jerry Mander, suggested a book project. Mander is the author of a number of books on environmental activism and the ill effects of globalization on indigenous people. The two released "The Superferry Chronicles" this month through Koa Books, a Maui publishing house. Paik felt a book would have the staying power that a stage play wouldn't, but would still be accessible.

"We felt the book format would properly honor and legitimize these voices," she said.

The book is not a dispassionate text. It is written like an activist documentary film, with heroes and villains, outrage and conspiracies. It begins with the assertion that, despite media reports pegging the number of protesters at Nawiliwili at around 200, there were 1,500 people at the harbor that day.

"It is mind-blowing to me how anyone could have estimated such low numbers for the people on the pier. I can certainly see how the dwarfing enormity of the pier made numbers of people seem smaller. But not to the extent that is commonly cited ... Easily, there were 1,500 people total.

"This was another example of the historical need for more eyewitnesses to document the event."

Paik said the readings and book signing on Kaua'i have been warmly received, though there was a small anti-protester protest before the start of one event in Hanapepe.

"One kupuna from Kekaha bought a book to serve as a centerpiece for a Christmas basket of all Hawai'i goodies for her homesick daughter in North Carolina," Paik said. "It made me laugh, to imagine that political book surrounded by li hing mui, dried fish, banana bread and kulolo."

Paik will be on O'ahu to discuss the book project on

Jan. 18

3 p.m. — Revolution Books, King and University, and

Jan. 19

7 p.m. — Native Books, Ward Warehouse.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.