The Hawaii Superferry made an unannounced appearance yesterday afternoon at Nawiliwili Harbor as part of the final Coast Guard certification process. According to Terry O’Halloran, director of business development for the Superferry, this is the first of three scheduled trips
The Hawaii Superferry made an unannounced appearance yesterday afternoon at Nawiliwili Harbor as part of the final Coast Guard certification process.
According to Terry O’Halloran, director of business development for the Superferry, this is the first of three scheduled trips to Kaua‘i this week to train staff and familiarize them with the routes. Additional test runs are tentatively scheduled for Thursday and Saturday.
“You’ll be seeing the ship coming into and out of the harbor,” O’Halloran said.
The “Alakai” did not dock yesterday, as the first few trips are intended to acquaint officers and crew with the route as well as entering and exiting the harbor, which will be practiced a few times during each Kaua‘i visit.
O’Halloran said the crew consists of about 12 individuals, though not all were present on yesterday’s voyage, which was strictly for the captains, engineers and chief mates.
Land-based employees as well as the support staff aboard the ferry are undergoing training but are not participating in these trials.
After leaving Kaua‘i yesterday, the Superferry returned to O‘ahu, where it readied for today’s run to Maui.
In addition to the crew training and Coast Guard certification, O’Halloran said there are still loose ends to be tied up at the harbors. On the to-do list are striping of vehicle queuing lanes, fitting the ramp to the ship and preparing the passenger waiting areas.
O’Halloran echoed past comments that the Superferry will start service later this summer, though a date has not been pinned down. He said the green light to begin will be based on the Coast Guard certification, not the pending lawsuits by environmental groups, which have asserted an environmental impact statement should have been required.
Reservations are open for voyages after Sept. 5, and sales are healthy so far, O’Halloran said.
Prior to the ferry’s start date, the ship will be opened to the public on Kaua‘i, Maui and the Big Island. A date has yet to be announced for the local event, though a similar viewing took place Saturday on O‘ahu during which residents were able to tour the vehicle and passenger decks.
“We’re looking forward to the community preview when residents can come aboard and see the ship,” O’Halloran said.
Hawaii Superferry service will be offered Sundays through Fridays between Kaua‘i and O‘ahu. For more information, visit www.hawaiisuperferry.com or call (877) 443-3779.
