Surfing Demonstrators Protest Hawaii Ferry

Fearing Environmental Impact Of Cheap Alternative To Air Travel

(AP)  Riders on the maiden voyage to Maui lauded the air-conditioned ship equipped with snack bars and high-definition TV screens for its luxury and convenience.

On both of the round trips, the $95 million ship was loaded with more than 500 people and 150 cars. That's the limit placed on initial voyages. It's built to carry more than 800 passengers and 200 cars.

The environmentalists' attorney, Isaac Hall, said he will seek an injunction to prevent the Superferry from doing business until environmental studies are completed. Such reviews typically are required for projects that use state money and land, such as harbors, and they can take months or even years to complete.

Superferry supporters say the ferry is being treated unfairly because other harbor users such as cruise ships didn't have to go through extensive environmental reviews.

"These standards should apply to all players, not just the newest, the smallest and the most popular," said David Cole, the chairman, president and CEO of Maui Land & Pineapple Co., which invested $1 million in the ferry.

Superferry officials say the ship's water jet propulsion system means there are no exposed propellers to strike aquatic animals.

Before Sunday, the only way to travel among the Hawaiian Islands was with highly competitive local airlines now engaged in a fare war. After Sept. 5, the current $5 fare for people or cars will go up ten times or more: Round trips to Maui or Kauai, with taxes and a fuel surcharge, will cost more than $240 for one passenger and a car.

Sunday's dramatic voyages began when the blue-and-white vessel emblazoned with manta rays pulled away from the dock in Honolulu to a chorus of cheers from passengers and onlookers.

Passengers browsed the gift shop, played cards and ordered breakfast while watching live NFL football games on the TV screens.

Alan and Terry Kahanu, of Kailua, arrived to board the ferry at 4:20 a.m. They and their four children sat in the first-class cabin, eating doughnuts and sushi.

"It's spectacular," said Alan Kahanu. "It's so nice to be able to walk around instead of having to be buckled in."

Superferry sold out its first voyage in 30 minutes Saturday. More than 400 of the 500 passengers of the first voyage got back on the Alakai for the return voyage.

Superferry Chief Executive John Garibaldi, who mingled with passengers, said one reason for the service was to avoid a repeat of the effect of the nation's grounded airplanes after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Then, island residents and tourists dependent on air travel were stranded for several days.

Garibaldi said the voyage "went very, very well and the response was phenomenal from passengers."

Austal USA is building a second ferry in Alabama to serve the Big Island starting in 2009.

[rushman71]

Man, those boats are ruining the waves, dude!!! It could even break my board, too, dude!!!

[usayesterday]

"surfing protesters"

HAHAHAH! LOL!

Ask these morons to give a basic definition of "global warming/climate change" and their heads would implode!

An alternative to the $100+ airfares needs to happen in that island state so the less-than-wealthy residents of Hawaii can have less restrictive travel.

Inexpensive inter-island travel will greatly boost the economy for the residents of Hawaii, especially on the islands like Kauai, Maui, and Molokai.

[gunnerv1]

I''ve lived in Hawaii, I belive this is the second time a ferry has tried to make this run. The first was a Hydro-foil type and it seems that both are doomed due to expense.

[gunnerv1]

I''ve lived in Hawaii, I belive this is the second time a ferry has tried to make this run. The first was a Hydro-foil type and it seems that both are doomed due to expense.