Hawaii Superferry still not sailing to any islands
Two weeks ago, when I blogged about the Hawaii Superferry’s announcement that it would start sailing again to Kauai on September 26, 2007, I had my doubts that it would actually happen. Guess what? It didn’t.
Despite guarantees of support from Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle and the U.S. Coast Guard, the Superferry has decided to indefinitely suspend service between Oahu and Kauai, citing concerns about “the safety of the community, our passengers and our dedicated employees.” This announcement came one day after the governor attended a tense community meeting on Kauai, in which protestors made it clear that they were prepared to risk arrest to try and physically stop the Superferry.
Will the Superferry successfully resume inter-island passenger services? Share your 2 (or 10) cents in the Comments section below.
Meanwhile, Kauai’s circuit court ruled that the Superferry has complied with all of the state’s environmental laws, rules and regulations. On Maui, a judge’s decision about the Superferry is still pending. Accordingly, services between Oahu and Maui have been suspended until at least October 8, 2007.
Interestingly, Big Island Mayor Harry Kim testified on Maui that he was in favor of the Superferry, “calling it a welcome and needed alternative to inter-island air travel,” according to the Honolulu Advertiser. The Hawaii Superferry is scheduled to begin operations on the Big Island in 2009.
Deal: A special travel deal is still available for those whose Hawaii Superferry trips were canceled. Dollar Rent a Car is offering an extra 5% off their lowest discount rates, plus they’ll waive any surcharges for additional or underage drivers.
Caveat: The information above is highly subject to change. Check back with the Hawaii Superferry website for updates.
Contact: Hawaii Superferry, (877) 443-3779, (808) 853-4175, customercare@hawaiisuperferry.com
Related links:
Hawaii Superferry sails again: Oahu-Kauai, not Maui
Hawaii Superferry blocked from docking in Maui by protests
Flotilla of protestors in Kauai stops Hawaii Superferry
—Sara Benson
[Photo: Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times]
6 Comments on “Hawaii Superferry still not sailing to any islands”
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October 5th, 2007 at 2:00 am
The Superferry is not welcome in Hawaii.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
I actually cried a little the first time I went to Hawaii about two years ago. I was on Oahu and the Big Island. I liked Honolulu and I liked Hilo but hated Kona a tourist trap. Well so is Honolulu but I got off the beaten path.The reason I felt so sad was I felt the Hawaiian culture was being destroyed. I did feel some resentment toward me from those who were on the islands from birth, but in some ways couldn’t completely blame them. So I can understand some of this outrage. Even on the big Island I asked one waitress how any one could afford housing, her response was Only if you have owned your home for a very long time. You could see the bitterness. Aloha
October 8th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
There is a vocal minority who wants to turn back time in Hawaii; kick out the tourists and return to eating taro. They may get their wish. And it will cost them $40 million dollars in state bonds that locals will have to repay. Once they make the Superferry suffer for their discontent, they have proved to the world that Hawaii is a bad place for business. Without new businesses and new jobs, the only thing that Hawaii has to sell is sand and sea. The only people who can afford to buy this beauty are the ultra wealthy. I hope the people of Hawaii like cleaning hotel rooms because that is the only jobs that they will have left when other businesses leave and when all future development is halted.
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
October 10th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
The problem began when a very powerful corporation got the governor to waive a key environmental law just for them. Environmental studies have been required of and completed by other harbor users for far less change. Hawaii Superferry had plenty of time to comply with the law in the 2 years+ they have been preparing for launch. It’s heartening to see the court uphold the environmental laws that have served the state for 30 years.
This is not about turning back the clock. The problem is the rapid increase in infrastructure demand by a steadily increasing population and the ongoing construction boom. HSF amounts to an offramp for the H4 freeway. Kauai visitors and locals are already impacted by near gridlock on the roads and there have been no provisions announced for the additional demands created by this new service on roads, DLNR, county parks, police and other affected service personnel. Please consider the impact on the communities affected. Come drive through Lihue, Kapaa and Poipu and see for yourself! The court imposed environmental study is for the benefit of the all Hawaii residents, future generations and our welcomed visitors.
October 11th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
My sister and I visited Kaua’i this May. I loved the clean air, the quiet, the subdued night lighting, the wonderful wild chickens everywhere, and the small town feel I got on the island. The pace of life seems generally slow, the people friendly for the most part. Many homes and businesses seemed to be open to the fresh air. I think we got a last glimpse of that lifestyle, and can only imagine what the island had been in the past, and the idea of the Super Ferry leaves me saddened. I think the islanders are right … it will be the end of their island as they knew it. I hope they are successful in stopping the Super Ferry.
October 11th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Reader Tim emails:
“Thomas, drop dead, As far as not being able to stop the changing times I suggest you look at where urbanization of The most beautiful spots in the world has compromised them to the point of irrelevance You have no idea what’s happening here and your tone of voice sucks.
Sucks up to your master and it is weak. Come spend a month here, drive around, walk around, hike, fish, swim. Sit in the shade and feel this place. Shop for a house, look for a job. Then go spend a month on Oahu. Then write. The will of a committed group of people determined to save their beautiful home and lifestyle from careless people is underestimated by the soft headed, chubby couch dwelling American TV addicts you seem to write for. Tim Andres “