• Hawaii SuperFerry Hawaii SuperFerry The Hawaii SuperFerry is a business concept that seems to be well on its way to reality. A high-tech ferry is being constructed at a shipyard in Alabama, political support is being shown by Sen.
• Hawaii SuperFerry
Hawaii SuperFerry
The Hawaii SuperFerry is a business concept that seems to be well on its way to reality. A high-tech ferry is being constructed at a shipyard in Alabama, political support is being shown by Sen. Daniel Inouye and interest is high among Hawai‘i residents — especially among Kaua‘i residents.
The Hawaii SuperFerry is being looked at like a new interstate freeway. In fact, it’s being called the “H-4” with the H-1, H-2 and H-3 already existing “interstate” freeways that crisscross O‘ahu. This one would be aimed at benefiting Neighbor Islands, perhaps, more than O‘ahu residents.
Hearings were held last night in Lihu‘e by the State of Hawai‘i. A similar hearing held earlier this month in Honolulu drew little or no opposition to the plan.
The plan comes at a time when inter-island airfares have skyrocketed at the same rate as Kaua‘i real estate. The high airfares is limiting inter-island travel for many local residents. Trips are now just too expensive for youth groups, families desiring to take a vacation on another island and just Kaua‘i residents who want to go shopping in Honolulu or visit relatives.
Thus the Hawaii SuperFerry is likely to be able to fill a niche that’s wide open. The fare will be close to what airline fares were in the 1990s, plus passengers will now be able to bring a car or pick-up truck with them when they travel at a reasonable price, a cost that Hawaii SuperFerry says will be comparable to renting a vehicle on another island.
Just as the introduction of fast jets to inter-island air service in the 1960s changed the face of inter-island travel, opening it up to local residents, as well as opening the door to millions of visitors over the years who might not otherwise travel to Kaua‘i, Maui and the Big Island.
While taking a sea ferry is in some ways going back to the days of the old inter-island steamers of yore, this time sea travel will be comfortable and high-speed, with plenty of distractions to make the channel crossing pleasurable, as well as affordable.
There is a downside to the ferries. Environmentalists are concerned that plant, insect and animal pests may be transported easily from island to island, causing more hits on our delicate island ecosystem.
Others say we will see an increase in traffic when it is fairly easy for someone from O‘ahu or another island to bring a vehicle here.
There may also be competition from businesses in Honolulu who can now cheaply ship produce and other goods to the Neighbor Islands.
The answer to these concerns might be: a tighter inspection of items coming in from off—island, funded in part by the increase of travel between islands; bringing a vehicle just might mean someone doesn’t rent a car; and competition doesn’t seem to hurt prices for consumers.
With the ferry all but a reality, we need to be careful about the details, while we’re looking forward to this advance in travel.
It will benefit the community and add a new dimension to life on Kaua‘i for us all.
