CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- A state judge has scheduled a hearing on whether to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the Charleston cruise industry.
Circuit Judge Clifton Newton is a special referee appointed by the South Carolina Supreme Court to hear the case that has attracted national attention. He hears arguments Thursday in Charleston.
Preservation, environmental and neighborhood groups have sued Carnival Cruise Lines, alleging that its cruise liners are a public nuisance, violate city height ordinances and are illegal hotel operations.
The suit asks the courts to block cruise operations and declare it illegal for the State Ports Authority to create a new $35 million cruise terminal in Charleston.
A federal lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers also challenging the terminal was filed last week in Washington.