Hawaii Secret Dot Com Blog

Protests and court challenges have prevented the Hawaii Superferry from making any more Interisland trips. The Superferry had hoped to make daily commuter trips between Oahu, Maui and Kauai. Eventually, trips to and from the Big Island would be added.

Honestly, I am surprised. The Superferry, to me seems like a good idea. After all, when you live on an island, you don’t have lots of choices to go from here to there. Sure, you can easily hop on a plane to travel to the outer islands, but even then you are somewhat limited.

Here is Hawaii, there is no easy way to go by boat to the other islands. There is a cruise liner, that costs big bucks to ride, but it looks like they are losing so much money, they will be leaving soon.

I thought everyone would be in favor of an alternative method of transportation. But what do I know? Not much.

Much of the protests revolve around the fact that an environmental impact study was not conducted.

 The Superferry was met by surfing protesters. The protesters paddled out to block the Superferry’sappraoch to the harbor. The Coast Guard was called out to help. The protesting surfers splashed the Coast Guardsmen (and Coastguardswomen) when they got to close. The Coast Guard even arrested someone on a surf board.

There were a number of sign wavers on land, as well, protesting the arrival of the Superferry. It was a big protest.

Think about it: no environmental imapct study was done on the what effect the Supeferry would have on Hawaii.

The owners of the Superferry spent tens of millions of dollars to start their business. They took out loans, they lined up investors, they even got the federal government to pitch in money. They must have had an army of support personnel,  lawyers and consultants. And consultants of consultants.

Millions upon millions was spent. Millions.

And not one guy, or gal, had the thought that maybe we need to do an environmental impact study?

Honestly, I’m amazed. Not one lawyer, clerk, waiter, ship captain or CEO, thought to do an environmental impact study?

Well, as of now, The Superferry is going nowhere. The case is now in the courts and will be decided.

You can read a story about it click here.

I’d love to hear your comments…

 Aloha,

albert

http://lawofreciprocity.info
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Residents of Oahu and Maui are salivating about the new Superferry slated to begin service Sunday, August 26, 2007. According to the Honlolulu, Advertiser (Sunday 9/26/07), the Superferry will take passengers from Honolulu Harbor Pier 19 to Kahului, Maui. Departure will be at 6:30 AM arriving at 9:30 AM.

The Superferry may be derailed by a Court Order due to the lack of an environmental impact study for the Kahului Harbor facilities. Environmentalists are concerned about harbor traffic, possible intrusion on humback whales as well as the possibility of the introduction of invasive species.

Taking the possible delay in stride, owners of The Superferry decided to introduce a special $5.00 fare for one way trips per passenger as well as $5.00 per car. The super-deal will be in effect for the first 11 days of operation. The results of the court challenge may decide the ultimate fate of The Superferry. President and Chief Excutive, John Garibaldi, is taking the delay in stride and stated “we’ve been chomping at the bit to get our service started as early as we can.”

The Superferry, named the Alakai, is able to accomodate 866 passengers and 286 sub-compact vehicles. It is big enough to accomodate buses and large trucks as well.

The passenger deck contains three separate seating zones each with dining facilities. It also has 34 LCD flat panel dispaly which will be used for movies and live sporting events. For an extra $20.. you can upgrade to the Hahalua lounge, which will give you drink specials, free pupus and oversized leather seating.

Fares will range between $52-$62 depending on weekday or weekend travel. You can save even more igf you book your reservations in advance. The price of a car is $59-$69. A pickup truck and van  will set you back from $94-$104. All of the fares are subject to a 30% furel surcharge which will be variable based on fuel costs.

Departure from Honolulu to Maui will be 6:30 AM daily. The Superferry will depart from Kahului, Maui at 11:00 AM. A one way trip will take about 3 hours. Other routes are scheduled to be added including Kauai and The Big Island.

Initial reports of those who have traveled on The Superferry indicate a wonderful experience although some passengers were viscitms of sea-sickness. You can find more information and book your own voyage a the website: http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com/

My entire family is excited about the prospect of taking a trip on the Superferry. I wish them happy trails. Sail on.

Aloha,

albert

http://lawofreciprocity.info
http://grandepublishing.com
http://bimwah.net
http://pizzatherapy.com
http://hawaiisecret.com

P.S. Go to:

http://grandepublishing.com/untoldsecrets.htm 

Hawaii Secret Dot Com: Learn the Inside Tips About Hawaii
and Hawaii Secrets

[#3: Edit Options>MightyAdsense>Adsense Code]

We were townbound on the H1, Saturday morning,when we first noticed something unusual. My daughter has music and ballet lessons on Saturdays, so we have traveled this route many times.

In the opposite lane of the H1, headed toward Waianae, we noticed semi trucks with their lights on. No trailers, just the cabs. All of the trucks were spruced up and were shiny clean. We saw ten trucks and then twenty. Then more and more. They seemed to be in some sort of convoy. Then more trucks. And more trucks…

The longer we drove, the more truck we saw. We were puzzled, why there would be so many trucks on a Saturday morning, heading toward Waianae.

Then I saw the picture in the paper today (Honolulu Star-Bulletin 8/5/07, p A17). Waimanalo Truckers Coalition and Bad Boy’s Trucking Company, had organized a Memorial Ceremony at Keehi Lagoon Park, in honor of ” Bruddah Iz“.

Once the ceremony was completed, all of the truckers hopped in their rigs and headed out to the West Side, ending up in Waianae. 

Since his death over ten years ago, Israel Kamakawiwoole, still touches the people of Hawaii. He was an amazing man with a sweet voice and a big, big heart.

I was talking the other day with one of the teachers I work with and he said he had fond memories of Iz. They went to grade school and Intermediate together in Kaimuki. He said Iz was a rascal back then and was aways getting in trouble in school. I have no doubt. That’s who he was.

I was personally lucky enough to see Iz, play live with the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau. The first time I saw them was in a small bar in Kaimiki, called Hank’s, I think. Iz was incredible and had an amazing presence on stage. His brother Skippy, who was also in the band, was sick that night and was unable to perform.

Skippy like Iz, passed on all to soon.

Thanks, Iz. Hawaii and the World, cherish the wonderful music you have left for us. We have all been touched by your heart. We have been touched by your soul…

Aloha,
Albert Grande

http://bimwah.net
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Go to:http://hawaiisecret.com

Hawaii Secret Dot Com: Learn the Inside Tips About Hawaii
and Hawaii Secrets