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+--- Thread: Return of Superferry? (/showthread.php?tid=13750)
RE: Return of Superferry? - opihikao - 10-06-2014
Can they add Puna to the route? It would make good sense for Puna, and fix Pohoiki boat harbor in preparation, perhaps? The cruise ships can't fit into Kailua/Kona, but they ferry passengers to the pier.
What about us? Can the investors, and the government do the same for Puna? Please?
JMO.
(*Dated - October 6, 2014)
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/26720350/superferry-idea-resurfaces-amongst-maritime-community
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -
The Superferry logos are still on the doors of the terminal and even the bankrupt company's safety letter is still on the wall from 2008. For some it was a multimillion dollar investment gone belly up. For others its an idea to resurrect.
"We think it's a fantastic time. It's amazing that in the United States, the only state where the counties are separated by water has no way to go across the water by inter-island travel," said Christian Yuhas, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (AFL-CIO).
Many businesses loved the service but it was sunk in large part because of a lack of an environmental impact statement.
"We know because the whales, invasive species and the environment there were concerns about how it was done. This time around we're hoping that if everybody follows the rules, looks very carefully at the environmental concerns that there is no reason why another interisland ferry system couldn't happen," said Yuhas.
There was vocal opposition including protestors on surfboards blocking the ship from coming into Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai.
"All those things that were raised as issues at the time of the original controversy will come back again. I can't imagine why anyone would want to go through all that again but if they do they're going to have to answer to those challenges," said Lanny Sinkin, former Superferry opponent who sued the US Coast Guard claiming it was protecting and illegal operation in the Superferry.
Then there is the monetary investment. The two ships cost $180 million not to mention all the operating expenses. Some feels it's too much for government to subsidize it all and risky for private investors alone.
"This would be pretty expensive because we're not talking about short haul trips we're talking long trips so the subsidy in particular would be pretty significant," said Panos Prevedouros, UH Manoa Engineering Professor.
Still it's an idea that seems to be floating back to the surface.
We spoke with some of the former executives of the Superferry who economically speaking still believe a ferry would be profitable and there is enough demand to make it work. However when I asked about the risks with protestors they declined to comment.
RE: Return of Superferry? - Seeb - 10-06-2014
It's way too big for that
RE: Return of Superferry? - PunaMauka2 - 10-06-2014
maybe those smaller hydrofoils would work out of Pohoiki? or maybe not. besides, would need vehicle transportation on the other end in Hilo.
ahh, i remember taking the inter-island hydrofoil circa 1976. free jelly doughnuts, fresh salt air, pretty and friendly wahine stewardesses... what more could a keiki on the high seas ask for.
RE: Return of Superferry? - Aaron S - 10-07-2014
quote:
Originally posted by Carey
What trigger did the Superferry meet (not the ports/harbors) that makes people think it needed an EIS? (folks have been stating this for a few years, but I have yet found one that knows the triggers)
I am including a link to the OEQC HEPA & NEPA triggers procedure, just so that everyone can see why I don't get the statement...
http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/Shared%20Documents/Misc_Documents/Guide%20to%20the%20Implementation%20and%20Practice%20of%20the%20HEPA.pdf
...(& really if you think of all of the ships & boats in our state waters...& that there are similar ships to the Superferry in other states... well...)
The State of Hawaii should've conducted an EIS because 40 million dollars of taxpayer dollars were used to construct these harbor improvements for the HSF's sole use. Yes, I know the HDOT gave an exemption because they believed these barges were not considered an harbor improvement, but the use of taxpayers should've triggered an EIS.
RE: Return of Superferry? - steve1 - 10-08-2014
Mufiman is just trying to find some sort of reason to get people to vote for him in November. After all, anyone have any good reasons why anyone should vote for him?
As to why the superferry won't be brought back:
Lehman Bros, the financial geniuses went bankrupt.
People who actually rode on it spent a lot of time puking a lot from rough seas and it couldn't maintain schedules because of rough seas.
Key politicians who were paid off to "like" it are no longer in office.
The boat went too fast for the safety of the whales and another high speed inter-island vessel still couldn't pass an EIS.
And as Bullwinkle noted, it was probably a scam right from the start.
As far as Big Island is concerned, neither Hilo Harbor or Pohoiki could handle such a big boat and the "improvements" Lingle promised for Hilo Harbor never happened.
RE: Return of Superferry? - JohnDW - 10-08-2014
So, for a variety of reasons the Super Ferry is out I gather. Mayor K. says Pohiki can handle up to 31ft. boat, and that to have a windward port requires a staggering amount of material considering the depth and waves etc. But the issue is transporting people and goods and not necessarily vehicles. How about a super lava tour boat or something like that?
RE: Return of Superferry? - Anxious Messiah - 10-09-2014
The real nail in the coffin for the Superferry was no EIS.
I would love to have a ferry or ferries running here. Given the possible upcoming needs, a regular ferry wold be just fine.
The downside is that whatever invasive pest any island has, all will have sooner rather than later.
_________________________________________
Don't speak unless you can improve on the silence.
RE: Return of Superferry? - MarkP - 10-09-2014
That really rings true but just as a reality check, how is a ferry worse than being able to ship crates over on Young Brothers? I don't know what restrictions YB has on transporting agricultural products. If there are many I can see people sticking stuff behind the seat of their truck to get it through.
RE: Return of Superferry? - james weatherford - 10-09-2014
quote:
Originally posted by Mendo
The ferry died due to Lingle administration not following the law, not any inherent problem with the ferry itself. It needed an EIS but they couldn't be bothered. It could work if we do it right. Stop trying to blame environmentalists for this stupid error.
Correct.
RE: Return of Superferry? - ckg - 10-09-2014
It would be great to see a ferry run from a Puna "harbor" (Pohoiki or other suitable location) to a Hilo bus terminal. It could haul commercial goods in a late night run (mail, goods) while shuttling people during the day for a diversified revenue stream. I wonder if it would be business viable (profitable for an operator) to have commuter passes like in NYC for such a thing. I have no idea what kind of capital expense would be involved versus a reasonable price for a pass but this could alleviate some roadway congestion if not a pipe dream. Also does anyone no how long it might take to get to Pohoiki to Hilo by boat. My best guess is an hour? Kind of reminds me of the Staten Island ferry a bit in principle (though not municipally funded). Perhaps this could be a federal transportation project like all the federal handouts for rail in this and other states. The situation in Puna should certainly at least make that something to consider and a hell of a lot cheaper than those infrastructure projects.