American Hawaii Cruises v. Skinner

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

JOYCE HENS GREEN, District Judge.

In these consolidated cases, the Court is called upon to delve into the murky waters of federal maritime law, which requires that, whenever a rebuilt vessel seeks to engage in trade between ports of the United States, the “entire rebuilding” must be conducted within this country. In August 1988, the United States Coast Guard found that a cruise vessel, the S/S MONTEREY, had not been “rebuilt” abroad and was therefore eligible for American coastal trade. Plaintiffs American Hawaii Cruises and American Maritime Officers Service now…