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Update July 17: To prepare a report before the South Carolina Supreme Court here's the Charleston cruise ship lawsuit, circuit court Judge Clifton Newman heard arguments in the case last week.
The story, in some senses, is a non-starter as nothing has yet happened, but the story offers much insight into the arguments for and against the cruise industry.
I'll point you to the Charleston Regional Business Journal's report.
Preservation and environmental groups are suing Carnival Cruise Lines (which has the backing of the State Ports Authority and the City of Charleston) saying that the cruise ships represent illegal hotels, violate height ordinances, and city sign rules.
There's no date yet for a hearing by the Supreme Court.
First reporting: The debate over an expanded cruise ship industry (and new cruise terminal) continues in Charleston, but now a lawsuit filed a year ago over the matter will finally head to a judge.
The Associated Press has a well-rounded update; read it here.
The hearing is set for June 14.
The cruise ship industry is cited by many as key to Charleston's tourism. An analysis of data from 164 hotels in the Charleston region showed that cruise ship visits increase hotel occupancy and raises rates, generating some 1,158 room nights and more than $108,000 in additional room revenue every time a ship begins and ends a cruise in Charleston.
