Hawaii Superferry has announced plans to re-commence service
between Oahu and Maui on Dec. 1. The embattled ferry has seen its
share of rough waters since arriving in the islands earlier in the
year. The 350-foot catamaran entered service briefly in August, but
was immediately halted by protests and litigation alleging
environmental concerns. The most vociferous complaints involved the
ferry’s failure to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). A
state court cited the lack of an EIR in issuing an injunction
against the ferry’s continued operations.
In response to the court ruling, emergency legislation passed in
late October and signed by Hawaii’s governor Linda Lingle granted
the vessel a reprieve. The new law specifically allowed the ferry
to operate pending the completion of an EIR. Thus, the court had no
choice but to lift the earlier injunction, leaving the ferry free
to once again start operating.
“We appreciate the support we’ve received from everyone who
shares the vision of uniting our islands and families by sea,” said
Hawaii Superferry president and CEO, John Garibaldi. “Hawaii
Superferry and its more than 300 employees look forward to a new
beginning as we start our voyages between Oahu and Maui, a new
choice for inter-island travel.”
Beginning Dec. 1, Hawaii Superferry will offer a daily round
trip voyage between Oahu and Maui leaving Honolulu at 6:30 a.m. and
arriving in Kahului at 9:30 a.m.; departing Kahului at 11:00 a.m.
and arriving in Honolulu at 2:00 p.m.
The renewed service will start off with an inaugural $29 one-way
fare. The fare will be good for all voyages between Oahu and Maui
Dec. 1 through Dec. 20. Beginning Dec. 21 and through March 12,
one-way passenger fares will be $39. Infants up to 2 years old will
be able to ride for free from Dec. 1 through March 12. These
special inaugural fares are available only on an advance-purchase
basis and reservations must be made online through
www.hawaiisuperferry.com.
A reduced passenger vehicle fare will also be offered at $55
each way. Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds are $35. Customers who
have already purchased tickets at a higher fare for travel Dec.
1-March 12 will automatically be refunded the difference of the
special fares.
A date for commencing service to and from Kauai has not yet been
determined.
“We have already begun community outreach efforts on Kauai,”
said Garibaldi. “We will make our decision about when we commence
our Kauai service once that process is completed.”
A second Superferry vessel is set to launch in the fall
2008.
www.hawaiisuperferry.com
