Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

[waioli kai]

.
--... requirement prohibiting unaccompanied vehicles...--


--- --- ...I don't know why the PUC has such a requirement. Curious to learn what the logic is behind it. --- ---

I think it is primarily that they (the State) do not want to have unattended vehicles taking up valuable space at the docks.

[craigwatanabe]

I would imagine it has something to do with car dealerships attempting to ship new vehicles to outer islands or something taxing like that.

Since when the ferry docks, who the heck's gonna unload that unattended vehicle?

[joshuatree]

I think it is primarily that they (the State) do not want to have unattended vehicles taking up valuable space at the docks.

I would imagine it has something to do with car dealerships attempting to ship new vehicles to outer islands or something taxing like that.

Since when the ferry docks, who the heck's gonna unload that unattended vehicle?

If that is indeed the reason for PUC's requirement, then I think it's a wrong solution to the problem. Rather, a rewriting of the rule would provide flexibility for business users of the ferry. A simple requirement that if a business wants to load a vehicle onto the boat without a driver, they will 1) need to pre-register with the ferry (ie background checks, etc), 2) be one of the first trucks to go into the boat and be one of the last to leave the boat, 3) have a driver on the arrival side be at the dock 30 min prior to boat arrival, and 4) be financially responsible for all costs incurred to the ferry if they fail to meet the previous points. I think such a rule would give flexibility to businesses who are complaining about having to leave a driver/truck at another isle overnight. The ferry can charge what is needed to process these customers but for the customers, it still may end up being cheaper than leaving a driver/truck on another isle overnight.

[Miulang]

If that is indeed the reason for PUC's requirement, then I think it's a wrong solution to the problem. Rather, a rewriting of the rule would provide flexibility for business users of the ferry. A simple requirement that if a business wants to load a vehicle onto the boat without a driver, they will 1) need to pre-register with the ferry (ie background checks, etc), 2) be one of the first trucks to go into the boat and be one of the last to leave the boat, 3) have a driver on the arrival side be at the dock 30 min prior to boat arrival, and 4) be financially responsible for all costs incurred to the ferry if they fail to meet the previous points. I think such a rule would give flexibility to businesses who are complaining about having to leave a driver/truck at another isle overnight. The ferry can charge what is needed to process these customers but for the customers, it still may end up being cheaper than leaving a driver/truck on another isle overnight.
In thinking about this further (and after hearing about the suicide truck bomber in Baghdad this morning), I think it goes even beyond the State and PUC: it might be a Federal security requirement (unattended trucks could pose a bomb threat). If it is a federal regulation, there would be no way to get around it, particularly since HSF is so heavily financed through federal loan guarantees.

Miulang

[Miulang]

Hmm, maybe Pride of Hawaii's departure will alleviate some of the concerns for space at Kahului?

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/10/br/br8714562039.html

NCL also announced they are pulling their ship the Norwegian Wind (http://www.khon2.com/news/local/6984832.html)out of the Hawai'i market, which means less traffic for Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Hilo, Kona and Lahaina too. With both ships leaving, more than 1,000 crew members will be displaced too, many of them who are local residents.:(

Miulang

[joshuatree]

NCL also announced they are pulling their ship the Norwegian Wind (http://www.khon2.com/news/local/6984832.html)out of the Hawai'i market, which means less traffic for Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Hilo, Kona and Lahaina too. With both ships leaving, more than 1,000 crew members will be displaced too, many of them who are local residents.:(

Miulang

I think they will be offered opportunities to transfer if they really want to. As for Pride of Hawaii, the reality is that we won't be seeing that ship coming back at all. "Temporary" sounds less harsh. If it was truly indeed temporary, why would they be planning to rename Pride of Hawaii and also repaint it? These things don't happen on a whim.

[joshuatree]

In thinking about this further (and after hearing about the suicide truck bomber in Baghdad this morning), I think it goes even beyond the State and PUC: it might be a Federal security requirement (unattended trucks could pose a bomb threat). If it is a federal regulation, there would be no way to get around it, particularly since HSF is so heavily financed through federal loan guarantees.

Miulang

Maybe but seeing how things are in Iraq, if someone really wanted to blow up HSF, having a driver with the truck ain't gonna change that. Suicide bombers anticipate losing their lives in the process.

[Miulang]

Maybe but seeing how things are in Iraq, if someone really wanted to blow up HSF, having a driver with the truck ain't gonna change that. Suicide bombers anticipate losing their lives in the process.
I didn't say it was a good policy, but it might be a federal policy nontheless.:rolleyes: The first World Trade Center bombings were done with Ryder trucks loaded with explosives that were left parked in front of the buildings and detonated remotely. Maybe the prevailing thought is "our" domestic terrorists wouldn't be suicide bombers but would try to destroy things and people but live to see another day. That's why the cops freak out over "suspicious packages" left lying around unattended.

Miulang

[Miulang]

Her name is officially "Alaka'i (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/14/br/br3041569287.html)".

Miulang

[waioli kai]

.-- Her name is officially "Alaka'i (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/14/br/br3041569287.html)". -- Miulang

The "Hawaiian" blessing for this one must've been a good one! Or is it blessed yet? " Who the hell cares, its got a Hawaiian name and that's all we need in Hawaii and Kauai " ... then those of Hawai'i or of Kaua'i (the Alaka'i swamp) say 'What? What is with corporatUSt$ taking their Hawaii and adding okina? They bless their boat with their arrogance (and their apostrophe mark) and bless their self-righteousness with "private equity" consortium$' bogUS wealth built on the future they mortgaged fiscally and ecologically for generations yet conceived, muchless born, educated and taxed to make good on corporatUSt repayment$/promise-sorry note$.'

[Konaguy]

I didn't say it was a good policy, but it might be a federal policy nontheless.:rolleyes: The first World Trade Center bombings were done with Ryder trucks loaded with explosives that were left parked in front of the buildings and detonated remotely. Maybe the prevailing thought is "our" domestic terrorists wouldn't be suicide bombers but would try to destroy things and people but live to see another day. That's why the cops freak out over "suspicious packages" left lying around unattended.

Miulang


Miulang, I think you are getting the 1993 WTC bombings mixed up with the 1995 Oklahoma City Courthouse bombing. As far as I recall, McVeigh parked Ryder trucks with ammonia nitrate in front of the Murrah Federal Building.

[craigwatanabe]

.-- Her name is officially "Alaka'i (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/14/br/br3041569287.html)". -- Miulang

The "Hawaiian" blessing for this one must've been a good one! Or is it blessed yet? " Who the hell cares, its got a Hawaiian name and that's all we need in Hawaii and Kauai " ... then those of Hawai'i or of Kaua'i (the Alaka'i swamp) say 'What? What is with corporatUSt$ taking their Hawaii and adding okina? They bless their boat with their arrogance (and their apostrophe mark) and bless their self-righteousness with "private equity" consortium$' bogUS wealth built on the future they mortgaged fiscally and ecologically for generations yet conceived, muchless born, educated and taxed to make good on corporatUSt repayment$/promise-sorry note$.'



I...am amazed here. Waioli Kai has finally uttered an emotional statement!

[Miulang]

Miulang, I think you are getting the 1993 WTC bombings mixed up with the 1995 Oklahoma City Courthouse bombing. As far as I recall, McVeigh parked Ryder trucks with ammonia nitrate in front of the Murrah Federal Building.
No, the first WTC bombing in 1993 was also done via a rented Ryder truck (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center_bombing)parked in an underground garage at the WTC:
[Agents and bomb technicians of the U. S. Treasury Department's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) responded to the scene of the blast. An ATF bomb technician subsequently found the axle in the bomb crater with the VIN of the Ryder truck that was used to contain the explosives. Further investigation by ATF found that the vehicle had been rented by a Palestinian named Mohammad Salameh. Yousef's friends reported the van was stolen in an attempt to slow investigators down.

Miulang

[craigwatanabe]

We need to ban Ryder trucks

[LikaNui]

An interesting Breaking News item in the Advertiser at this link (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/23/br/br3879054612.html) today, which says:

Superferry offers reduced fares for kids, seniors

"The Hawaii Superferry today announced reduced fares for children, senior citizens and retired military personnel for service to Maui and Kaua'i scheduled to begin in July.
"One-way fares for those groups is $41 Tuesday through Thursday, and $51 Friday through Monday. The one-way base fare for adults is $52 for Tuesday through Thursday, and $62 for Friday through Monday. The one-way fare for children younger than 2 is $17 any day of travel. Discounts for tickets booked on the Internet will be available."

:)

[joshuatree]

An interesting Breaking News item in the Advertiser at this link (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/23/br/br3879054612.html) today, which says:

Superferry offers reduced fares for kids, seniors

"The Hawaii Superferry today announced reduced fares for children, senior citizens and retired military personnel for service to Maui and Kaua'i scheduled to begin in July.
"One-way fares for those groups is $41 Tuesday through Thursday, and $51 Friday through Monday. The one-way base fare for adults is $52 for Tuesday through Thursday, and $62 for Friday through Monday. The one-way fare for children younger than 2 is $17 any day of travel. Discounts for tickets booked on the Internet will be available."

:)

Wonder if there's any senior citizen discount on the advanced web fare which shows $47/$57 nonpeak/peak?

[craigwatanabe]

What about a monthly pass. That would be kinda neat.

[Glen Miyashiro]

Her name is officially "Alaka'i (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/14/br/br3041569287.html)".

The "Hawaiian" blessing for this one must've been a good one! Or is it blessed yet? " Who the hell cares, its got a Hawaiian name and that's all we need in Hawaii and Kauai " ... then those of Hawai'i or of Kaua'i (the Alaka'i swamp) say 'What? What is with corporatUSt$ taking their Hawaii and adding okina? They bless their boat with their arrogance (and their apostrophe mark) and bless their self-righteousness with "private equity" consortium$' bogUS wealth built on the future they mortgaged fiscally and ecologically for generations yet conceived, muchless born, educated and taxed to make good on corporatUSt repayment$/promise-sorry note$.'Errrr...

That Honolulu Advertiser article didn't say that the name was Alakaʻi. It said that the name was Alakai.

One of two vessels to be used for ferrying people and cars between O'ahu and the Neighbor Islands was christened today in Mobile, Ala., where it was constructed. The 350-foot-long ship was named "Alakai," which means "ocean path," officials said. "It's seen as a name deep in Hawaiian tradition and culture, really as the one to move us forward," said John Garibaldi, Hawaii Superferry president and chief executive officer, by phone from Mobile this morning.Not Alakaʻi. Ala-kai. Like the bastard stepchild of Ala Wai and Hawaiʻi Kai. So waioli kai, it wasn't the corporatUSt$ who stuck the ʻokina in there... it was Miulang. :eek:

(I wonder if, analogously to the "Kai" in Hawaiʻi Kai actually meaning Kaiser and not "ocean", the "Ala" in this ship name doesn't mean "path" but actually is a homage to its place of construction... Alabama? :D )

[joshuatree]

What about a monthly pass. That would be kinda neat.

Neat but doubtful. Don't think airlines offer a monthly pass. Though rumor that Hawaiian had something like that in the 90s.

[MonkeyMan]

Neat but doubtful. Don't think airlines offer a monthly pass. Though rumor that Hawaiian had something like that in the 90s.

No, it was MidPacific Air in the 80s (maybe early 90s). I had a friend who lived in Hilo but worked in downtown Honolulu. Flew home every day. Had a beater car that he parked in airport industrial area.

[dick]

Neat but doubtful. Don't think airlines offer a monthly pass. Though rumor that Hawaiian had something like that in the 90s.

When I lived and worked on Maui (2000 -2002) I worked with someone who lived on Oahu but commuted to Maui. She had a monthly pass on Hawaiian. It was like $1500-or-so and was unlimited flights between HNL and OGG.

[waioli kai]

That Honolulu Advertiser article didn't say that the name was Alakaʻi. It said that the name was Alakai.

Not Alakaʻi. Ala-kai. Like the bastard stepchild of Ala Wai and Hawaiʻi Kai. So waioli kai, it wasn't the corporatUSt$ who stuck the ʻokina in there... it was Miulang.

(I wonder if, analogously to the "Kai" in Hawaiʻi Kai actually meaning Kaiser and not "ocean", the "Ala" in this ship name doesn't mean "path" but actually is a homage to its place of construction... Alabama? )

Yes, without okina. The vessel did get a professional blessing. Interesting observation about the "Ala"--- just calling it the "Alabama" will be more appropriate and politically correct at the same time. Regarding 'Kaiser',,,, since in Hawaii everything related in any way to Kaiser's Germany was expropriated by the U.S government during WW1 (ala 'American Factors/AMFAC) perhaps it is fitting that 'kai' in Alakai reflect the undemocratic nature (aka, corporatUSt$ America) of the introduction of the vessel into this archipeligo.

[craigwatanabe]

That ve$$le :D

[Pua'i Mana'o]

um, gang?

Alakai = ala kai = ocean path. I am guessing nothing too profound about this name.

[LikaNui]

According to this article (http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070430/NEWS01/704300351) on the front page of today's Honolulu Advertiser, 59 Stryker vehicles are currently on the Big Island for training exercises.
Much hue and cry has been made by one or two people in this thread about the SuperFerry being used to transport Strykers, and it appears to be true!
Oh.
Wait.
The SuperFerry isn't even here in the islands yet.
And the article says that the military took the Strykers from O`ahu to the Big Island on their own military ships.

Chicken Little was wrong. The sky isn't falling.

:rolleyes:

[Miulang]

According to this article (http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070430/NEWS01/704300351) on the front page of today's Honolulu Advertiser, 59 Stryker vehicles are currently on the Big Island for training exercises.
Much hue and cry has been made by one or two people in this thread about the SuperFerry being used to transport Strykers, and it appears to be true!
Oh.
Wait.
The SuperFerry isn't even here in the islands yet.
And the article says that the military took the Strykers from O`ahu to the Big Island on their own military ships.

Chicken Little was wrong. The sky isn't falling.

:rolleyes:

Lika, my presumption was based on IF it became financially unfeasible for HSF to turn a profit transporting civilian passengers and they needed a supplemental income stream. Of course it hasn't happened yet! And it might be a nonissue anyway, if one of the following two events occurs: 1) Congress defunds the war in Iraq and we start leaving, which means less reason for stepped up training at Pohakuloa or 2) the Army decides to move the 3 Stryker Brigades to CONUS.;)

Miulang

[Miulang]

This fatality occurred exactly in the area (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/08/br/br8305726941.html)where NCL and Superferry pedestrians will have to walk in order to get to Maui Mall.:(

Miulang

[joshuatree]

This fatality occurred exactly in the area (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/08/br/br8305726941.html)where NCL and Superferry pedestrians will have to walk in order to get to Maui Mall.:(

Miulang

I seriously think there is a driver quality issue in Hawaii these days, that's about the only kind of auto accidents one hears these days. NCL and Superferry should chip in for a pedestrian bridge.

[Miulang]

I seriously think there is a driver quality issue in Hawaii these days, that's about the only kind of auto accidents one hears these days. NCL and Superferry should chip in for a pedestrian bridge.

Agreed 1000%!;) But you know what? Have you ever noticed that even when there are safe ways for pedestrians to cross busy streets (marked crosswalks, etc) that pedestrians invariably choose not to use those safe means, even though they may only be about 10 feet away from it?:confused:

Miulang

[joshuatree]

Agreed 1000%!;) But you know what? Have you ever noticed that even when there are safe ways for pedestrians to cross busy streets (marked crosswalks, etc) that pedestrians invariably choose not to use those safe means, even though they may only be about 10 feet away from it?:confused:

Miulang

Yes, but in those circumstances, if a pedestrian gets killed by an auto and the driver was determined to have done everything reasonable (one can't avoid running over a person if he/she dashes out without warning), then I call it Darwinism, especially if there is an overpass for him/her to use. No sympathies from me. I might even do a Nelson Muntz "HA-HA". :D

[LikaNui]

According to this Breaking News (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/24/br/br3217964805.html) story on the Advertiser's website:

"Hawaii Superferry has postponed the scheduled July launch of its first vessel in Hawai'i for at least a month, officials said this afternoon.
"The new interisland passenger service earlier had said it would start to take reservations this month, with service beginning in July. Now, those dates have pushed back to early summer for reservations and "later this summer" for service.
"Company president and chief executive officer John Garibaldi said the company's first vessel — the Alakai — is still being worked on by Austal, the shipbuilder, before it will leave Mobile, Ala., for Hawai'i.
"Garibaldi said the ship must complete a U.S. Coast Guard rigorous certification and inspection process. He said this is the first ship of its kind to be built by Austal.
"The Alakai is a unique, state-of-the-art U.S. flagged vessel," Garibaldi said. "The Coast Guard, Austal and Hawaii Superferry want to ensure that the vessel, its machinery and equipment, as well as its safety systems and plans, are thoroughly inspected and reviewed."

More at the link above.
No surprise in this news, given the complexity of building a ship like this and the need to ensure the safety of its crew and passengers.
Just a bummer about the delay.

:(

[Konaguy]

No surprise in this news, given the complexity of building a ship like this and the need to ensure the safety of its crew and passengers.
Just a bummer about the delay.


Well it could be worse. The courts or the legislature could've mandated an EIS to be done, which would've torpedoed the service entirely.

[surferdudenate]

I was trying to determine if I would use the superferry or not and wrote a little article on the subject. I would of just copied and pasted it here but it has a little flash chart I put together real fast and the blog doesn't really make much sense unless you look at the chart. You can read it here http://www.talkaloha.com/

[LikaNui]

A nice photo at this link (http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?url=/misc/zoom.pbs&Avis=M1&Dato=20070614&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=70614002&Ref=AR) with a caption that includes:

"The Hawaii Superferry heads down the Mobile River in Alabama today as it leaves Austal USA en route for Hawaii."

Sure would love to be on that trip from Alabama through the Panama Canal and on to O`ahu!

:)

[hifotog]

I sure hope and betcha there's gonna be a HUGE crowd lining at Sand isle Park watching this babe come in! I sure will depending on day-date-time! I wouldnt be surprized if the appt book is solid for months cuz of private parties and commercial companies utilizing this way of transportation rather than using the barge svcs. who knows thou...perhaps if locals can just go park their cars in the pier and take a leisure cruise to get the feel of the ferry...who knows!

[mel]

My only regret with the Superferry heading to Hawaii now is that I probably won't be around first week of July to watch and take photos of it coming in since I won't be on the island then. Oh well.... I am sure there will be a lot of opportunities to photograph this vessel as well as actually go on board. Hawaii Superferry will be holding several public open houses before they actually start service. :)

[LikaNui]

Remember the huge crowds when the Might Mo was towed in from the mainland? From Koko Head all the way down to Pearl Harbor, shorelines were packed!
I hope they set it up to do a speed run past Waikiki (at a safe distance offshore, of course). Seeing a boat that huge moving at 35+... wowie zowie!
And hey, I just found that you can view their progress at http://track.hawaiisuperferry.com/ . Check it out. VERY cool.

:D

[surferdudenate]

I was trying to determine if I would use the superferry or not and wrote a little article on the subject. I would of just copied and pasted it here but it has a little flash chart I put together real fast and the blog doesn't really make much sense unless you look at the chart. You can read it here http://www.talkaloha.com/
I updated the link so you don't have to filter through the non-Superferry related stuff. Enjoy.

http://www.talkaloha.com/2007/05/27/hawaii-superferry-part-1/

[LikaNui]

An update at this link (http://starbulletin.com/2007/06/27/business/story01.html) from today's Star-Bulletin:

"The Hawaii Superferry left Los Angeles yesterday morning after a refueling stop and could arrive in Honolulu as early as this weekend.
"Terry O'Halloran, director of business development for the Superferry, said the exact arrival date hasn't been pinned down. It is traveling at about 20 to 23 knots, day and night, he said. "There's a crew of 12 on board," he said. "This includes the captains, the chief mate, the maintenance engineer and a cook. This will be the crew that will be operating the vessel after it arrives in Hawaii."
"The 350-foot-long Alakai is still anticipated to begin service from Oahu to Maui and Kauai in late August."

More info at the link above.

[joshuatree]

Nice, almost here. Where's the dontridesuperferry.com site? :D

[joshuatree]

Anyone check out the Superferry site? They are taking reservations now and an interesting discovery. Looks like they are tacking on fuel surcharges to each pax and vehicle. That's not looking good. Not to mention, annoying. Can't stand looking at fares, whether it be bus, plane, boat, only to find that there are hidden fees or surcharges. To me, that's always a customer service no no, trying to mislead the customer.

[OahuGirl]

Taking your vehicle was one of the marketing strategies of the superferry then I looked at the fares $866...and that helped me make up my mind. I will just travel there (by air) as a tourist and rent a car. That way, the money I would have to pay for my car to go to another island can be used for the car and lodging. I kinda feel like it's a scam...

[joshuatree]

Wow, how did you get $800+? I tried booking a RT for 1 pax and 1 standard car and got ~$280.

[anapuni808]

I just booked a trip for November to Kauai - with senior discount & upgrade to the lounge, it came to $156. I think thats a good price - I get to travel in comfort, great views & able to have a couple glasses of wine on the way!

[OahuGirl]

Taking your vehicle was one of the marketing strategies of the superferry then I looked at the fares $866...and that helped me make up my mind. I will just travel there (by air) as a tourist and rent a car. That way, the money I would have to pay for my car to go to another island can be used for the car and lodging. I kinda feel like it's a scam...

I scanned to fast and now realize it isn't as much as I thought. Wrong quote..sorry.

[mel]

Anyone other than the regular media got photos of the Superferry as she came into Honolulu Harbor yesterday?

[ptosis]

Anyone other than the regular media got photos of the Superferry as she came into Honolulu Harbor yesterday?
Y*E*A*H!!!

Hawaii Superferry Arrives on Oahu! (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/298267/hawaii_superferry_arrives_on_oahu.html)

this is a video, always wanted to get that fancy red whirlybird, and it kept circling around like a fire-red buzzard. (OK I'm not a poet OK?)

[Konaguy]

I received an e-mail today that stated that the Hawaii Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal of the ruling that EIS was not necessary for Kahului Harbor.
But I have been unable to verify that this is the case ?

The e-mail goes on and says that if the HSC rules an EIS is necessary,HSF could be barred from servicing Kahului until a EIS completed.

[craigwatanabe]

So did anyone catch the boo boo (http://starbulletin.com/2007/07/01/news/story01.html)in today's SB? One part said the SF can carry 400 people and 110 vehicles then right below the photo it says it can carry 866 passengers and 250 cars. I think the 866 was where Oahu Girl got that part wrong too as for pricing.

[craigwatanabe]

I just booked a trip for November to Kauai - with senior discount & upgrade to the lounge, it came to $156. I think thats a good price - I get to travel in comfort, great views & able to have a couple glasses of wine on the way!

I've been upstairs in the lounge area and boy it's worth the upgrade, but even the peasant class is much better than sitting in a cramped airplane. Keeps reminding me of the Titanic though with the upper class on the deck and the peasants below the waterline. Albeit everybody is above it but just couldn't keep that notion out of my mind at the time.:D

[joshuatree]

So did anyone catch the boo boo (http://starbulletin.com/2007/07/01/news/story01.html)in today's SB? One part said the SF can carry 400 people and 110 vehicles then right below the photo it says it can carry 866 passengers and 250 cars. I think the 866 was where Oahu Girl got that part wrong too as for pricing.

The Advertiser also has its share of mistakes. They state the boat has 4 jet engines. It's really four 20 cylinder diesel engines that drive 4 water jets.

[craigwatanabe]

The Advertiser also has its share of mistakes. They state the boat has 4 jet engines. It's really four 20 cylinder diesel engines that drive 4 water jets.

What no ION pulse engines? Sheez how 20th century is that:rolleyes:

[joshuatree]

What no ION pulse engines? Sheez how 20th century is that:rolleyes:

LOL, nah that's too slow. You need a warp core. ;)

But back to reality, actually, the diesel engine driving water jet concept is a pretty good one. Much more fuel efficient than having gas turbines (jet engines).

[craigwatanabe]

LOL, nah that's too slow. You need a warp core. ;)

But back to reality, actually, the diesel engine driving water jet concept is a pretty good one. Much more fuel efficient than having gas turbines (jet engines).


And no prop burns when they run over the whales.:eek:

[helen]

Anyone other than the regular media got photos of the Superferry as she came into Honolulu Harbor yesterday?

I went to the space between California Pizza Kitchen and Bubba Gumps at Ala Manoa Shopping Center to get a glimpse of the Superferry just before 2:30 pm. I couldn't see the Superferry. Did see a boat shooting off a water cannon. A few minutes later the Superferry comes out. It's view blocked by the trees on Ala Manoa park and Magic Island.

Then the Superferry makes a turn away from Oahu and after a while it resumes it's course to Honolulu Harbor. I didn't wait so I had an early dinner at Bubba Gump.

Attached is a photo from Saturday, it's an optical zoom so it looks kind of grainy. The Superferry is on the horizon, just above the white lamp post in the center of the photo (look on the right of the lamp post and to left of the palm tree).

[LikaNui]

Anyone other than the regular media got photos of the Superferry as she came into Honolulu Harbor yesterday? Here are two for you:

[glossyp]

I just got invited to tour the Superferry tomorrow! Hopefully, I'll be able to take pictures and post them here. At the very least I can provide a written description of the boat.

[mel]

Keep those photo and video links coming. These are good. Hopefully I will get to get some shots of the Superferry and tour it too... and eventually take a ride on it as well.

[Karen]

Man, I can be so ignorant! LOL....well, about things I know nuttin about, like this Superferry. I was thinking....soon as it starts service, well let the first lookers finish, and maybe a month after that, our family will use it and visit another island, leaving early in the AM and returning late that night. Nope!

I think it now sounds like we have to spend at least one night on whatever island we visit cuz the thing will only dock at each island for approx. an hour and a half. Makes sense with only one ferry.

How are the hotel rates on Kauai and Maui? hmmm........

[adrian]

I saw the Superferry when I entered Chinatown on the way to work yesterday, and damn, its huge!

I'll try to get some pics today.

[pzarquon]

I just got invited to tour the Superferry tomorrow! Hopefully, I'll be able to take pictures and post them here. At the very least I can provide a written description of the boat.Very cool! Looking forward to your report! They politely declined my request for media accreditation. Guess "citizen journalists" aren't quite grown up yet... :p

[glossyp]

Very cool! Looking forward to your report! They politely declined my request for media accreditation. Guess "citizen journalists" aren't quite grown up yet... :p
So, I am very disappointed to report that my camera failed miserably. As we entered the terminal area, I turned the little b**** on, looked through the viewfinder and was greeted with a view something like a Jackson Pollack painting only done in pink and teal :confused:. PZ can attest to my somewhat checkered history with digital devices so I figure it just decided to die to spite me. I will hopefully get some photos from the person I was with, but that won't be for a few days until after he returns to Los Angeles. In the meantime, just a couple of notes.

The passenger areas of the vessel are very comfortably appointed and the $20/person charge to upgrade to the front lounge would be worth it on at least one trip, if just because the view is so spectacular in the bow area. That being said, the views from all passenger areas are very good and it is clear that the designers made an effort to create a space where the ocean could be readily viewed from all seating areas. The seating is very comfortable and there are many choices from large banquettes with tables that could seat up to eight or ten to small tables for two. The restrooms are pretty much like those on an airplane. The only jarring design note is some really ugly carpet in the front lounge.

The most interesting part of the ship is the bridge. The tiller looks like a large joystick and there is a huge amount of information instantly accessible to the captain, co-captain and chief engineer. The jet water drives (Rolls Royce made) allow extremely precise manuvering and the ship can "walk" sideways into a space if need be. The engineer station is directly behind the main console and that person can manage all systems of the power plant, etc. from there. The engine room is unmanned except for security patrols. The whale lookout stations are on either side of the ship just aft of the bridge.

For those concerned about safety, there are life rafts for more than 1100 people (stated capacity of the vessel is 866 people and 26 crew) and an equal number of life vests. Fire is the biggest concern and the entire ship is monitored constantly by remote cameras which are viewed from the bridge as well as sensors. There is a huge sprinkler system we saw on the vehicle deck which has a main pipe that is at least six inches in diameter.

Vehicle capacity is 282 sub-compact cars so I would imagine that there will be a lot less than that on any given trip since many people drive larger vehicles. There will be a load master in charge of ensuring that space is optimized and weight balanced properly. The mezzanine vehicle deck has sections that can be lifted to allow for larger trucks. They said that the largest vehicle they could accommodate is an 18-wheel semi-truck. Estimated loading time on Oahu is one hour and an hour and a half on Maui.

I really can't wait for the chance to take a trip on it. I don't know if I'll bring the car or not since there are just two of us. On the other hand, you can bring pets with you so that's something to think about. There was some talk about special ferry/car rental/hotel packages being worked on, but no details.

Hopefully, I'll get some pictures posted soon.

[GeckoGeek]

So, I am very disappointed to report that my camera failed miserably. As we entered the terminal area, I turned the little b**** on, looked through the viewfinder and was greeted with a view something like a Jackson Pollack painting only done in pink and teal :confused:.

Sounds like the sensor failed. Sony had a bad batch of epoxy and as a result a large number of sensors failed when moisture was able to work it's way in. Sony is one of two manufactures of sensors and is found in many camera brands. Hunt around. You may find that your camera is affected. If that's the case, it will be repaired free of charge. That's what happened to my Minolta A1.

[ptosis]

Hawaii Superferry Arrives on Oahu video from Sand Island (Hawaii Superferry Arrives on Oahu)


Pre-Independence Day Celebration July 3rd 2007 Aloha Tower Marketplac (Pre-Independence Day Celebration July 3rd 2007 Aloha Tower Marketplace)e

[Random]

A 3-hour trip between islands. The Alakai better stock up on bentos, musubi, and shave ice.

[pzarquon]

Thanks for the great write-up, glossyp. The mentions of the safety features is also appreciated. Considering the number of people who are afraid to fly, I really wonder how deep-seated the phobias are of sea travel.

There has actually been some watercooler chat about the Superferry where I work. I think they're definitely coming into a market different from the one they scoped out, thanks to the go!-inspired race to airline bankruptcy. When we were looking at ridiculous airport security plus $160-$320 round trip airfares, the Superferry looked like a fantastic option. Now, Superferry fares seem high compared to $39 plane rides.

Of course, Superferry pricing is hopefully actually realistic versus costs. But as the whole go! fight has shown, people vote with their wallets.

I still think the Superferry offers a great alternative to airlines. Sitting with kids in that lobby-style environment sure seems a lot less stressful than strapping them into stiff airplane seats. The fact that there'll be some ameneties -- versus, you know, a plastic cup of juice -- is a plus. So is the ability to take my own messy van, versus renting and worrying about spilling something in an expensive rental car. It wouldn't take a very long trip where saving on a rental car pays for itself. It's a longer trip, but altogether sounds like less of a hair-pulling exercise than dealing with modern airport life.

I'm looking forward to taking a trip on the Superferry. The Alakai only services Maui and Kauai, so our only question is which island to visit first! I hope it does well enough so the second, Big Island ferry shows up as scheduled next year. Then I'll ride the Superferry all the time.

[MixedPlateBroker]

Some people prefer to ride mopeds or motorcycles to catching the Bus or hailing taxis. Perhaps those same people would pass on the Superferry and airlines if this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9ryf-Uam0g) became widely available/affordable. :D

Sorry for the tangent all, but I couldn't resist. I guarantee watching the video will put a grin on your face though.

[mel]

The Superferry is on the horizon, just above the white lamp post in the center of the photo (look on the right of the lamp post and to left of the palm tree).

Oh yeah.... there... there it is! :)

[zff]

I'm wondering about how steep the load/unloading ramps are. I drive a sports car which sits pretty close to the ground. I want to be able to drive it on Maui, but not if I'm going to suffer some undercarriage damage getting it there.

[tutusue]

Anyone check out the Superferry site? They are taking reservations now and an interesting discovery. Looks like they are tacking on fuel surcharges to each pax and vehicle. That's not looking good. Not to mention, annoying. Can't stand looking at fares, whether it be bus, plane, boat, only to find that there are hidden fees or surcharges. To me, that's always a customer service no no, trying to mislead the customer.
30.8% (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jul/04/ln/FP707040401.html)...Yikes!

[LikaNui]

Yikes! Ah, but folks need to remember that the article also included this:

"That depends on a number of variables, but as long as the interisland airlines are conducting a fare war, many shorter trips to the Neighbor Islands are cheaper by air, even when including the price of a rental car."

SuperFerry set up their fare schedule a loooong time ago, before all these airfare wars. Clearly the airlines can't run forever at $39 per ticket (or less). I fully expect SuperFerry prices to meet or beat the airlines, but even if they don't they offer such a vastly superior package that it'll be well worth any possible price differential.

[helen]

I checked out the Superferry's web site for pricing. Just for myself between Honolulu and Lihue without a car would cost me around $170. This for travel on a Tuesday, return on a Friday and upgrade to a lounge. The fuel surcharge ran around $14 for the Tuesday trip and $17 for the Friday trip.

The drawback to the site is for the lounge upgrade, for a round trip it does it for both trips, it doesn't give you an option if you want it on one of them.

[pzarquon]

I think the takeaways from the Superferry folks in the Advertiser article are worth repeating. On the basis of cost, walking into the middle of an airline fare war makes Superferry trips less attractive.

But what the Superferry offers is a lot more than Point A to Point B. There are not only practical considerations that make the Superferry attractive (bring your Jeep and kayak with little fuss), but emotional ones as well. Travel by sea has a whole separate mystique than air travel.

If getting there fast and cheap were the only considerations, cruise ships wouldn't exist. I'm not saying the Superferry will make money banking on the "romance of seafaring" angle, but it's certainly relevant.

[helen]

Just for the heck of it I attempted to check out go! and Aloha websites for roughly the same time period, which basically is around the Thanksgiving holiday and from experience I tend to travel away from the crowds like leaving on a Tuesday and coming back on a Saturday.

In the case of the Superferry they don't travel to Lihue on a Saturday so that is why I opted for the Friday return trip.

go! was sold out for all flights on November 20 to Lihue and November 24 to Honolulu. I was quoted $99 round trip for Aloha but there was at least one flight from Lihue that was sold out. The sale price for seats on Aloha was either $39 or $49 depending on the time but there was one flight from Lihue that the sale price was at $109. The non-sale price on Aloha for a one-way ticket is $169.

[WindwardOahuRN]

I think the takeaways from the Superferry folks in the Advertiser article are worth repeating. On the basis of cost, walking into the middle of an airline fare war makes Superferry trips less attractive.

But what the Superferry offers is a lot more than Point A to Point B. There are not only practical considerations that make the Superferry attractive (bring your Jeep and kayak with little fuss), but emotional ones as well. Travel by sea has a whole separate mystique than air travel.

If getting there fast and cheap were the only considerations, cruise ships wouldn't exist. I'm not saying the Superferry will make money banking on the "romance of seafaring" angle, but it's certainly relevant.

Well said. I'm looking forward not only to the convenience of bringing my own car interisland but also the trip itself.

I have always loved the ocean. It has always been a source of peace and comfort for me. Magical, mystical. I have never lived more than five minutes from the sea. Grew up with boats, beaches, salt and sand. I truly believe I would wither, wilt, and die if I were to be landlocked.

To me, an ocean voyage of any length of time is an absolute joy.

Even if it costs a bit more, I'm taking the boat.

[i-hungry]

I have rode a few different ferries and I don't expect much for this sea commute. The price is a bit high especially if you want only a weekend neighbor island trip. For a longer trip it would even out in cost.

[Mista Bumpy]

And no prop burns when they run over the whales.:eek:

No, the whales will be OK - it's the tons of much smaller fish that will get sucked into the jet intake that won't do so well. I hope the turtles manage to stay clear.



Aloha!

[mel]

Clear Channel radio stations are giving away free tours of the Hawaii Superferry this coming Saturday July 14. So far they have sign up times for 10 am to 2 pm. Register at any of the Clear Channel radio station sites in Hawaii. The ones that I checked were:

KHVH 830 AM: http://www.khvh830am.com/main.html
KSSK FM 92.3: http://www.ksskradio.com/main.html
Star 101.9 FM: http://www.star1019fm.com/main.html
Hot 93.9 FM: http://www.i-94.net/main.html

Look for the Superferry logo on each of those pages. You have to register your name and address and they send you a confirming email after you register for the tour.

No parking available at Pier 19 though they say there will be a shuttle from Dole Cannery and Topa Tower (where is Topa tower?)....

At this time I have not gotten my confirming email on this.

[Konaguy]

No parking available at Pier 19 though they say there will be a shuttle from Dole Cannery and Topa Tower (where is Topa tower?)....


http://www.topafinancialcenter.com/

[mel]

OK.. the old Amfac Buildings... hehe. I hate it when something I was long familiar with changes names and I forget about it.

[craigwatanabe]

OK.. the old Amfac Buildings... hehe. I hate it when something I was long familiar with changes names and I forget about it.

To me it'll always be the Amfac buildings just as it will always be the Pacific Trade Center on the corner of Bishop and S. King street.

[LikaNui]

Clear Channel radio stations are giving away free tours of the Hawaii Superferry this coming Saturday July 14. (...) At this time I have not gotten my confirming email on this. I just received an invitation to this (though not thru the radio stations). I'm most interested in seeing the Alakai from a technological standpoint, especially the engineroom spaces and the wheelhouse.
If you're going, Mel (or anyone else here on HT), let me know what time you'll be there. Maybe this can be another HT gathering.

:)

[pzarquon]

Look for the Superferry logo on each of those pages. You have to register your name and address and they send you a confirming email after you register for the tour.Looks like they're all full up, or at least reconfiguring something. The links on all stations' pages turn up the message: "Superferry Registration Currently Unavailable: We apologize, but registration for the Superferry Preview is currently unavailable. Please check back later this afternoon."

[craigwatanabe]

I just received an invitation to this (though not thru the radio stations). I'm most interested in seeing the Alakai from a technological standpoint, especially the engineroom spaces and the wheelhouse.
If you're going, Mel (or anyone else here on HT), let me know what time you'll be there. Maybe this can be another HT gathering.

:)

Funny you use the term "Wheelhouse" as the ship is controlled by a very small joystick similar in size to the ones found in RC controllers. There's monitors everywhere monitoring everything from ballasts to engine info to climate controls thru out. The "wheelhouse" is really a technical marvel.

[anapuni808]

I received the invitation from the SuperFerry newsletter list. I made a reservation for Saturday, 7/14 @ 11:30 am. I'm really excited to see the ferry as I may be booking a seat on it to return from Maui in September. Hopefully, I won't forget my camera!

(just got my confirmation via email)

[LikaNui]

I e-mailed my buddy at SuperFerry today with an idea for a photo/video op to use in their marketing.
SuperFerry does 35 knots, yeah? And it's a damned big boat at 350 feet, so it looks incredible going 35 knots. But wouldn't it look even more incredible to have photos and video footage of someone water skiing behind it?!?!? :eek:
I spent several summers teaching water skiing, so I offered to be the guinea pig to do it behind SuperFerry. Geez, that would be fun!
We waterskiied behind one of the 70' racing sailboats. So, why not the SuperFerry?
Probably some government regulation wouldn't allow it, dammit. But we'll see.
:o

[zff]

I also haven't been able to register for a preview tour.

For those of you going, could you take pictures of the ramp you drive across to get your car on/off the ferry? I'm concerned about the angle of the ramps since my car doesn't make it up steep ramps in parking garages (like the ones in Ward Centre). Please? Pretty please? I'd be most grateful.

[mel]

I got to take a preview look at the Hawaii Suprferry today.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1080/804076817_2a0e560ffc.jpg
First class cabin panoramic view windows.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1282/804076767_15495c28a5.jpg
Main cabin dining area. Click here for a larger view (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1282/804076767_d9d86d7816_o.jpg).

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1224/804076679_623ad01b4c.jpg
Food concession area. Main cabin.

More photos at this link:

Mel's Hawaii Superferry Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/macprohawaii/sets/72157600807807224/)

[mel]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/804043075_5dbb06e591.jpg
Main cabin, passenger seating. The regular seats are comfortable, just like airplanes. They have fold down tables, just like airplanes. The first class ones are wide and more spacious, just like airplanes. Larger view (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/804043075_b77f2523f3_o.jpg).

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1257/804910906_552388c066.jpg
The ship has two parking decks for vehicles.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/804910888_113d2ae912.jpg
For the person who asked about the ramp, here it is. Click for larger view (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/804910888_f8eff99ad0_o.jpg). IMO, I don't think the ramp is very steep, at least not here at Honolulu Harbor. Most vehicles will get to the first level parking deck, no problem. The ramp is built on a barge docked behind the Superferry. There is a slightly more steeper and shorter ramp inside the ferry for vehicles that have to go up to the next deck.

More photos at this link. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/macprohawaii/sets/72157600807807224/)

[GeckoGeek]

Now compare that with hassling with security and getting crammed into a tube.....

[mel]

Anyone planning to check out the Superferry today will want to note that going through the vessel will take about an hour, maybe even less if you don't stop and talk to anyone. The only areas open to the public will be the vehicle parking decks and the main passenger cabin. The bridge and the engine room will be off limits. One of the people with Superferry told me that Federal rules prohibit viewing on the bridge due to security reasons. A couple of the areas like the media and game arcade are just empty rooms. The Superferry undergoes Coast Guard certification starting this coming Thursday. The vessel will actually be taken out for the first time since its arrival to HNL earlier this month.

[anapuni808]

Great photos Mel - thanks for sharing.

I got a call & email yesterday saying that the elevator on the boat is not working yet so for persons with disabilites like myself, the tour for today got cancelled. But they will re-schedule it.

I thought that was a great gesture of customer service to go to so much trouble to notify me of the problem & save me a trip downtown. They could have just let it go...........this scored a lot of PR points with me.

[Leo Lakio]

I got a call & email yesterday saying that the elevator on the boat is not working yet so for persons with disabilites like myself, the tour for today got cancelled. But they will re-schedule it.

I thought that was a great gesture of customer service to go to so much trouble to notify me of the problem & save me a trip downtown. They could have just let it go...........this scored a lot of PR points with me.Maybe they knew better than to pi$$ off HT folks...see here. (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=13168)

[LikaNui]

I was planning on going but now can't -- waaaay too much work I have to do.
Fortunately I'll be able to go another time in the next few weeks, and I do get to see the pilothouse and the engineroom. Not sure if they'll let me take any pictures. Maybe a few controlled ones. Will post 'em here if possible.

[Pomai]

Thanks for those great pics Mel.

I always wondered what that gray barge with all the railings was for. It's been sitting at that pier long before the Superferry arrived, but I couldn't make out what it was from Nimitz Hwy. Now makes sense.. a car ramp!

Adult one-way fare on Superferry: $44
Bag of chips and drink on Superferry: $5
Watching LikaNui water Ski off the back of the Superferry: PRICELESS!

[GeckoGeek]

Watching LikaNui water Ski off the back of the Superferry: PRICELESS!

At the risk of mixing two threads .... is there any world record for water skiing between islands? :D

[tutusue]

I e-mailed my buddy at SuperFerry today with an idea for a photo/video op to use in their marketing.
SuperFerry does 35 knots, yeah? And it's a damned big boat at 350 feet, so it looks incredible going 35 knots. But wouldn't it look even more incredible to have photos and video footage of someone water skiing behind it?!?!? :eek:
I spent several summers teaching water skiing, so I offered to be the guinea pig to do it behind SuperFerry. Geez, that would be fun!
We waterskiied behind one of the 70' racing sailboats. So, why not the SuperFerry?
Probably some government regulation wouldn't allow it, dammit. But we'll see.
:o
That would take crossing the wake to a whole, new level, wouldn't it?! :D

[cynsaligia]

eric and i did a quick compare of travelling to maui in september from a thursday to tuesday and found that if we were to fly go! on the $39 fare and grab the el cheapo econ car (we're talking chevy aveo sized car) on enterprise rental, we'd save about $150 versus riding the superferry and bringing eric's titan.

if we upgraded to a full-sized car with enterprise, we'd save about $60.

seems quite worth the difference to us to be able to take our gear on the truck and ride in superferry style.

[LikaNui]

That would take crossing the wake to a whole, new level, wouldn't it?! :D And remember this: Two hulls = two wakes!
:D

[helen]

Saw a SuperFerry commerical on KGMB this evening.

[TuNnL]

Hmmm... interesting that the Superferry EIS issue is STILL not resolved and in the words of the Honolulu Advertiser (http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070715/NEWS01/707150380/1001), should “go down to the wire.” This could potentially be an embarassing chapter for Terry O’Halloran and gang.

[LikaNui]

Hmmm... interesting that the Superferry EIS issue is STILL not resolved and in the words of the Honolulu Advertiser (http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070715/NEWS01/707150380/1001), should “go down to the wire.” This could potentially be an embarassing chapter for Terry O’Halloran and gang. Why would it embarass them? The SuperFerry itself is not named in the lawsuits! Perhaps you missed this in the article you cited:

"Despite the pending court cases, it's full-steam ahead as far as Hawaii Superferry officials are concerned. "Everything is go," said Terry O'Halloran, director of business development for the company, which is not a party in the lawsuits."

[Star of Gladness]

Why would it embarass them? The SuperFerry itself is not named in the lawsuits! Perhaps you missed this in the article you cited:

"Despite the pending court cases, it's full-steam ahead as far as Hawaii Superferry officials are concerned. "Everything is go," said Terry O'Halloran, director of business development for the company, which is not a party in the lawsuits."

"not a party" but if the lawsuit goes through the superferry won't sail anywhere in hawaii except back to the mainland.

Seems like a rip off to me. Every ferry I ever been on was cheap like $5 or $10 or just free!

[helen]

Seems like a rip off to me. Every ferry I ever been on was cheap like $5 or $10 or just free!

What other places have you experienced this fare structure?

Did any of them have to travel across at least 40 miles of open ocean at a speed of at least 30 mph?

[beaker]

Travel by sea has a whole separate mystique than air travel.

If getting there fast and cheap were the only considerations, cruise ships wouldn't exist. I'm not saying the Superferry will make money banking on the "romance of seafaring" angle, but it's certainly relevant.

Bingo, for better or worse. It's bizarre to live on a chain of islands in the middle of an ocean and you can't get anywhere by boat, unless you happen to own one. Been here 3 years and the only time I've been "on the ocean" was in my car, as I drove through the shallow pool of ocean water that was washing across the road at high tide once.


Seems like a rip off to me. Every ferry I ever been on was cheap like $5 or $10 or just free!

Compare to a comparable ferry like www.catferry.com (http://www.catferry.com) or the ferry system in Alaska. You won't get a bagel for $5.

[LikaNui]

"not a party" but if the lawsuit goes through the superferry won't sail anywhere in hawaii except back to the mainland. Right. Sure. They invest hundreds of millions of dollars and you think they're just going to slink away in the night? Get real.
Also, if the lawsuits go through, imagine the ensuing lawsuits by SuperFerry against the state!
$$$ Ka-CHING. $$$

Seems like a rip off to me. Every ferry I ever been on was cheap like $5 or $10 or just free! Helen already asked you good questions about that. Got answers?
And hey, if you don't want to ride SuperFerry, that just leaves more room for the clear majority of folks who do want it! Your kokua is appreciated.

:p

[Konaguy]

With the onset of the HSC hearing the fringe element's appeal of Judge Cardoza's 2005 ruling, I see a lot of parallels with Hokulia on the Big Island.Judge Ibarra enjoined any further development of Hokulia back in 2003 depsite the fact Oceanside had their entitlements and invested 350 million in the project.

Luckily a settlement was reached that allowed Hokulia move forward before the damaging spate of lawsuits could've ruined every taxpayers day. A similir scenario could happen if the HSC rules in favor of the fringe element in the HSF litigation.

[Star of Gladness]

What other places have you experienced this fare structure?

Did any of them have to travel across at least 40 miles of open ocean at a speed of at least 30 mph?

Several actually. The Staten Island Ferry in New York City is free. The fast ferrys cost more, i think they were $15 each but never used them because free was good enough for me! I think people used the fast ferrys because they dropped off closer to financial districts or other busy areas.

But no, I have never been on an open ocean ferry. I will concede that.

Right. Sure. They invest hundreds of millions of dollars and you think they're just going to slink away in the night? Get real.
Also, if the lawsuits go through, imagine the ensuing lawsuits by SuperFerry against the state!
$$$ Ka-CHING. $$$

Helen already asked you good questions about that. Got answers?
And hey, if you don't want to ride SuperFerry, that just leaves more room for the clear majority of folks who do want it! Your kokua is appreciated.

:p

You sem to know a lot about the SF. Can you explain then how a fuel surcharge can be levied before service even begins? I dont understand that.

Mahalo! :)

[Leo Lakio]

You sem to know a lot about the SF. Can you explain then how a fuel surcharge can be levied before service even begins? I dont understand that.
Mahalo! :)My guess (emphasis on that second word - and I know you posed this question of LikaNui) is that they created a fare structure that intentionally left the continually fluctuating (and likely consistently rising, in the long run) price of fuel out of the equation. They can then adjust the fuel surcharge based on variable circumstances, while not having to restucture the fares.

Why a surcharge now, before service begins? The fare structure was probably created quite some time ago, in order to be submitted for some sort of regulatory approval.

[LikaNui]

The Staten Island Ferry in New York City is free. And it travels how far? :rolleyes:

Can you explain then how a fuel surcharge can be levied before service even begins? I dont understand that. Surely you jest. The answer is ridiculously easy and obvious.

[helen]

Can you explain then how a fuel surcharge can be levied before service even begins? I dont understand that.

What I don't understand about the fuel surcharge is that it's a percentage based on your fare instead of not being a fixed amount.

For instance the prices quoted below are from July 6.

I checked out the Superferry's web site for pricing. Just for myself between Honolulu and Lihue without a car would cost me around $170. This for travel on a Tuesday, return on a Friday and upgrade to a lounge. The fuel surcharge ran around $14 for the Tuesday trip and $17 for the Friday trip.

So not only are the fares are cheaper on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but so is the fuel. That being the case how come the Superferry can't buy it's fuel on Tuesday to Thursday and stash it in their storage tanks?

[Star of Gladness]

What I don't understand about the fuel surcharge is that it's a percentage based on your fare instead of not being a fixed amount.

For instance the prices quoted below are from July 6.



So not only are the fares are cheaper on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but so is the fuel. That being the case how come the Superferry can't buy it's fuel on Tuesday to Thursday and stash it in their storage tanks?

Good question!

Hmmmm... I got another one. If the superferry is supposed to be "more efficient" than the airlines and claiming $17 per passenger for fuel I wonder what its costs the inter-island airlines per passenger in fuel? It must be more than $17.

[anapuni808]

Just to offer a different viewpoint: if a person feels the fare/surcharge is too high or doesn't make sense, then they can choose not to purchase a ticket.

The rest of us, who want something a little more interesting than flying once in a while, can choose to take the boat.

It's really not all that complicated.

[tutusue]

[...]It's really not all that complicated.
You're absolutely right, Fran. But it's fun to analyze the whys and wherefores, dissect the conclusions, flame a troll or 2, wander off topic then, after 400-500 replies, finally arrive at your conclusion! :D We still have a ways to go! ;)

[Karen]

This ferry looks like a dynomite place to start a birthday party or other celebration. The lounge looks quite pleasant and I can only imagine how fun it will be to use it and continue celebrating on another island, have everyone sleep it off and then party on back. Shutterbugs are gonna have a wonderful time with the views, etc.

[helen]

Unless of course you are taking the ferry on the Lihue to Honolulu run. It will be dark (the ferry leaves Lihue at 7pm, arrives in Honolulu at 10pm) and I guess the last hour you will see the lights from the west coast of Oahu.

[Karen]

Stargazing will rock on the clear nights, and maybe some UFO watching? LOL....

[helen]

I suspect not since the Superferry needs to be lighted so things don't run into it in the dark.

By the way the Superferry route map (http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com/reservations/routes-schedules/default.html) shows alternate routes for the Maui and Big Island runs during whale season.

[GeckoGeek]

I suspect not since the Superferry needs to be lighted so things don't run into it in the dark.

It won't be dark dark, but I've been out on a Waikiki cruse. Excellent star watching. I'm sure they'll find a way to accommodate their customers. Out on the ocean at night, it won't need much light for others to see it.

[LikaNui]

There's a very good article at this link (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jul/22/bz/hawaii707220342.html) from Sunday's Advertiser, about how many businesses are looking forward to using the SuperFerry to ship cargo from and to O`ahu.

[pzarquon]

Thanks to a quick-thinking friend, I was able to get a spot for this Saturday's second limited public preview on the Superferry.

Like Mel, I hope to document the heck out of it for those who are as curious as I am about this new interisland travel option... blog write up, "moblog" cameraphone posts (courtesy the iPhone), photos, YouTube video, and hopefully live video streaming! My wife and I will be bringing our daughter, and she's very excited about the tour.

[mel]

OK... let's see, Ryan will have an iPhone, a regular digital camera, a movie camera, and his laptop all strapped to him when he visits the Superferry. Can someone take a picture of Ryan with all this gear on. :)

[helen]

This begs the question, does the Superferry have A/C outlets in the passenger section or the lounge area so that you can plug in your laptop?

[mel]

I never thought to look for that while I was there. That would be a good assignment for Ryan and anyone else who visits this weekend.

[anapuni808]

PZ - what time is your tour? I'll be on the 12:00 one. Maybe we'll run into each other.

[mel]

Check for AC outlets. Something to plug the ol' laptop in. 3 hours can drain a battery!

[scrivener]

Would you be allowed to stay in your vehicle, if you wanted?

[Miulang]

Check for AC outlets. Something to plug the ol' laptop in. 3 hours can drain a battery!
According to this blogger (http://billso.com/2007/07/16/aboard-the-superferry/)who took a tour (and pictures) of Alakai, it appears that the only AC outlets he observed were in the 1st class section:

First class is the only place where I saw accessible AC outlets, and these were few and far between. We saw perhaps 4 or 5 work carrels in this cabin. At least the few outlets that we found didn’t have a meter attached to them, as they now do at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Anyone who wants to watch a movie on their laptop needs to board the Superferry early or make sure they charged their battery.



Hmmm... the blogger also wrote that it appears there will be no internet access either, which would be a major gaffe, since 3 hours is an awful long time for a person used to being able to go work on their laptop whle travelling not to be able to surf electronically or email!

Miulang

[helen]

Would you be allowed to stay in your vehicle, if you wanted?

No you can not. If you need to get to your car during the trip you need to be escorted by a crew member during the time you accessed your vehicle.

Hmmm... the blogger also wrote that it appears there will be no internet access either, which would be a major gaffe, since 3 hours is an awful long time for a person used to being able to go work on their laptop whle travelling not to be able to surf electronically or email!

I wouldn't need or expect to have internet access while on the Superferry but it will be nice to work on a laptop doing noninternet things without worrying about the battery.

[zff]

Does anyone know how your car is insured if the ferry sinks? Would your no-fault cover that or would Hawaii SuperFerry?

If it's the ferry's responsibility, is there some kind of dollar limit of coverage per car? Let's say your $350,000 Ferrari was on the ferry when it sank. Do you only get back $100,000 or something like that?

I hoping someone here already knows the answer and can save me a bit of legwork.

Thanks.

[Miulang]

Does anyone know how your car is insured if the ferry sinks? Would your no-fault cover that or would Hawaii SuperFerry?

If it's the ferry's responsibility, is there some kind of dollar limit of coverage per car? Let's say your $350,000 Ferrari was on the ferry when it sank. Do you only get back $100,000 or something like that?

I hoping someone here already knows the answer and can save me a bit of legwork.

Thanks.

Here's a partial explanation, as outlined in Tariff 1A (http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com/images/pdfs/HawaiiSuperferryTariff.pdf)that was submitted by HSF to the HPUC:

Insurance. The following types of insurance will be carried at current industry levels and as specified by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission: Hull and machinery, protection and indemnity, pollution liability, excess marine liability, and comprehensive general liability insurance,

And this section on limited liability:
Limited Liability
Carrier shall not be liable in any capacity for any loss, damage, detention, delay, occurring during such time, arising from, caused by, or, in Carrier's judgment, rendered necessary or advisable by reason of, any declared or undeclared war, act of God, perils, dangers and accidents of the sea or other navigable waters, force majeure, weather delay, act, neglect, or default of the Master, mariner, pilot or the servants of the carrier in the navigation or in the management of the ship, fires latent defects not discoverable by
due diligence, any other cause arising without the actual fault and privity of the carrier, hostilities, war-like operations, revolutions, sabotage, malicious acts, theft, embezzlement, pilferage, strikes, lockouts, work stoppages, slowdowns or labor disturbances or restraints of whatsoever nature, whether general or partial, and regardless of who are the promoters thereof, whether involving the officers or crew of the Vessel or others, or from any other risk or cause whatever, not included in the foregoing, and whether similar or dissimilar thereto, unless the party asserting the claim shall prove
that such risk or cause was one within Carrier's control and that the loss, damage, detention delay, nondelivery, misdelivery, or conversion was due to Carrier's negligence. Except as otherwise required by applicable laws and/or regulations, Carrier shall not be liable for the loss of, or damage to, of any baggage such as fragile or perishable articles, currency or coin, bank bills, deeds, jewelry, business documents, drafts or valuable papers, postage or revenue stamps or legal papers with such stamps affixed, precious
metals or stones or articles manufactured therefrom or other articles of extraordinary value or any articles, which are transported by Customer whether with or without the knowledge of the Carrier.
Neither Carrier nor Agent shall not be liable for injury or damage caused by Customer or Customer's Vehicle or caused by other Customers or other Customer's Vehicles. Customer shall defend, indemnify and hold Carrier and Agent harmless for injuries or damages arising out of Customer's conduct or errors or omissions. In no event shall Carrier be liable for amounts greater than the loss actually sustained nor shall Carrier be liable for incidental or consequential damages arising from any cause whatsoever, even if Carrier has been advised of the possibility of same.

One other interesting part of the tariff is the formula they are using to calculate the fuel surcharge.

Miulang

[LikaNui]

Hmmm... the blogger also wrote that it appears there will be no internet access either, which would be a major gaffe, since 3 hours is an awful long time for a person used to being able to go work on their laptop whle travelling not to be able to surf electronically or email! First of all, not everybody is addicted to the internet like certain people seem to be. "3 hours is an awful long time"? Sorry, but that's addiction, pure and simple.
And do you believe everything you read on anyone's blog? :rolleyes: Well, get this -- I'm telling you right now that tomorrow the sun will rise in the west! Spread the word!
But far more outrageous is your claim that it would be a "major gaffe". First, because you're implying (once again!) that the SuperFerry folks are mental midgets who didn't have the foresight to think about internet access until you, the omnipotent Miulang, thought of it... which is nothing short of ludicrous. They're spending hundreds of millions of dollars, the ship is equipped with the ultimate in state-of-the-art electronics and communications gear... and you have the audacity -- the unmitigated gall -- to accuse them of not thinking about it?!?
As usual, Miulang, YOU ARE 100% WRONG. You made a wild claim without taking one single minute to check the FACTS.
Fortunately for the rest of us, I did.
Here is what a SuperFerry official just wrote to me:

"Superferry will have free WiFi access, although we cannot guarantee access throughout the entire passage.
"Similarly your cell phone will work throughout most of the journey.
"We are using the latest high-gain (1 million gain) cellular antennas so the ship is effectively its own cell-site. Internet access is via EVDO wireless broadband."

So are you going to be decent enough to apologize, or what?
:mad:

[Miulang]

First of all, not everybody is addicted to the internet like certain people seem to be. "3 hours is an awful long time"? Sorry, but that's addiction, pure and simple.
And do you believe everything you read on anyone's blog? :rolleyes: Well, get this -- I'm telling you right now that tomorrow the sun will rise in the west! Spread the word!
But far more outrageous is your claim that it would be a "major gaffe". First, because you're implying (once again!) that the SuperFerry folks are mental midgets who didn't have the foresight to think about internet access until you, the omnipotent Miulang, thought of it... which is nothing short of ludicrous. They're spending hundreds of millions of dollars, the ship is equipped with the ultimate in state-of-the-art electronics and communications gear... and you have the audacity -- the unmitigated gall -- to accuse them of not thinking about it?!?
As usual, Miulang, YOU ARE 100% WRONG. You made a wild claim without taking one single minute to check the FACTS.
Fortunately for the rest of us, I did.
Here is what a SuperFerry official just wrote to me:

"Superferry will have free WiFi access, although we cannot guarantee access throughout the entire passage.
"Similarly your cell phone will work throughout most of the journey.
"We are using the latest high-gain (1 million gain) cellular antennas so the ship is effectively its own cell-site. Internet access is via EVDO wireless broadband."

So are you going to be decent enough to apologize, or what?
:mad:

The info that I posted came from the tariff and from the blog. If you got the word directly from the horse, then it's good that HSF did some fast corrections. One thing in their tariff does say that the AC power isn't protected, so if something gets fried while connected to their power supply, they won't assume any responsibility for damages.

Miulang

[Palolo Joe]

So are you going to be decent enough to apologize, or what?

Guess not.

The info that I posted came from the tariff and from the blog. If you got the word directly from the horse, then it's good that HSF did some fast corrections. One thing in their tariff does say that the AC power isn't protected, so if something gets fried while connected to their power supply, they won't assume any responsibility for damages.

Just more excuses and attempts to spin the conversation in a different direction.

What a surprise.

As long as I can get cell service, I'll have Internet access. I'm not worried at all.

[LikaNui]

The info that I posted came from the tariff and from the blog. Don't change the subject! We are NOT talking about insurance -- we're talking about INTERNET ACCESS. Don't try to obfuscate. It will not work here.

If you got the word directly from the horse, then it's good that HSF did some fast corrections. "Fast corrections"?!? What the heck is wrong with you??? You think that overnight they made some miraculous upgrade and purchased and installed hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment in less than 24 hours because of YOU?
That's possibly the most ludicrous thing you've ever written!
"Fast corrections", my a**. :mad:

One thing in their tariff does say that the AC power isn't protected, so if something gets fried while connected to their power supply, they won't assume any responsibility for damages. So freaking what? Those kind of disclaimers are standard in every single contract on the planet!

GET A GRIP. :mad:

(patiently waiting for answers)


:confused:

[Leo Lakio]

So...

Next time somebody chats with the SF folks, I'd be curious to find out if they ever decided to use Muzak's Hawaiian music program on board.

The program I did for the last several years (but not no mo.)

[Palolo Joe]

I hope not. They can get better canned music from local sources.

And LN, you won't get answers... it's all about spinning the conversation to take the attention away from the fact that she was WRONG.

Again.

[Karen]

I enjoyed KSSK's six to ten AM drive today. It sounded like Perry and Price had a blast on the ferry, and it was especially funny to hear them joke about all of the room "big people" have on the ferry vs. flying on an airplane.

Were any of you part of their live audience on the thing, today?

[helen]

So was the ferry docked during the entire show this morning or did they take a small cruise?

[pzarquon]

I don't think the Superferry can move again, really, without all the Ts crossed and Is dotted. It sure is an imposing site at that pier. If the ferry business doesn't work out, they should leave it there permanently and turn it into a fancy restaurant.

And, I admit, I don't like to go more than three hours with internet access. It's my job, and what I do for fun. (Can you tell?) That's why I have an EVDO modem. I don't think there's cell service between islands, though, is there? Most certainly not data service. Even so, I'll live. One of the major reasons for going by sea, rather by air, is the overall experience. I plan to simply enjoy the journey... at least the first couple of times!

[helen]

The SuperFerry wasn't in it's place at Honolulu Harbor on Monday, unless it got moved to another pier in the Harbor.

[LikaNui]

So was the ferry docked during the entire show this morning or did they take a small cruise? It had to be docked. No 'cruises' until after the final Coast Guard inspections, sea trials, and final certification.
But once that's all done... I'm going water skiing! :D
(I wish.)
Hey, who wants to come along, take photos, and put 'em right online? Since the SuperFerry has, you know, internet access.
:p

The SuperFerry wasn't in it's place at Honolulu Harbor on Monday, unless it got moved to another pier in the Harbor. It was probably on one of the test runs to Kauai.
And Ryan, about your restaurant idea... the SuperFerry would instantly become the restaurant with the easiest parking. :D

[GeckoGeek]

I don't think there's cell service between islands, though, is there?

It sounds like the SF is equipped with a BDA (bi-directional amplifier) that will take a puny cell phone signal and amp it up so that it can make the distance to a cell site on one of the islands.

Still, the cell providers may need to adjust. I'd think a big boat load of people with nothing better to do could tax the existing sites that happen to point out to sea.

[alohabear]

My BIG concern with Superferry is this, did anyone think about how this passenger ferry will handle the winter swells between the channels? I'm sure the vessel itself can handle, IMO. it's gonna be a ride only the truly seaworthy can handle.

[LikaNui]

My BIG concern with Superferry is this, did anyone think about how this passenger ferry will handle the winter swells between the channels? Oh my GAWD... I'll bet they never thought of that!!! Imagine that. Spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a ferry and never considering the ocean. :rolleyes:
And by the way, swells are bigger in the summer, not the winter, due to steadier, stronger and more frequent tradewinds, plus other factors of swell and current direction that vary by season, etc.

I'm sure the vessel itself can handle, IMO. it's gonna be a ride only the truly seaworthy can handle.
Okay. Sounds good to me.
:)

[Composite 2992]

The Superferry has a computer controlled stabilization system using planes in the bow of each hull. These planes can dampen both pitch and roll, the sort of motions that make passengers sick.

The catamaran hulls are designed to move through the water and not just upon the surface at speeds up to 40 knots. There's also enough freeboard to clear the kind of sea conditions you'd find in the channels. If seas are large enough to hit the underside of the vessel between the hulls, then it's unsafe for most other ships as well.

The Superferry is a large vessel. I saw it this past weekend apparently doing docking practice runs and was impressed by its size. For this ship to do what it does, and to move as fast as it does, is quite a feat.

[Karen]

Helen, I didn't get to catch more than an hour of the show, and that was the last hour. I wish I could tell you for sure but I assumed from what they said and didn't say that it was on water, LOL not land...duh, just being silly, but docked. they joked about people "on land" calling to win a prize cuz they had given prizes to the audience, so that's why I referred to it being on water.

They gave away a free trip for family of four and an overnight stay in a hotel, but I didn't catch to which island.

[pzarquon]

PZ - what time is your tour? I'll be on the 12:00 one. Maybe we'll run into each other.Hee! As I type this, you're aboard the Alakai. My tour is at 3 p.m. And yes, as Mel notes, I'll be totally geeked out. If you're bored this afternoon, come on by HawaiiGeek.TV (http://www.hawaiigeek.tv) to see the Hawaii Superferry live... for better or for worse! Afterward, I also hope to post to Flickr and YouTube and, if anyone will talk to me, my podcast. Whee!

[anapuni808]

actually, I was unable to take the tour as I found out yesterday that, unlike the airports, they do not have any accomodation for "mobily challenged" folks like myself to get aboard the boat. and as they very rudely informed me yesterday when I called: We are Not A Cruise Ship!! So, I was disappointed big time. Until they are able to provide some sort of porter to assist folks like myself, I will stick to flying. I have written to their customer relations person to this effect, with a copy to Mr. Garibaldi.

PZ - enjoy your tour & I look forward to seeing the pics & video.

[GeckoGeek]

they do not have any accomodation for "mobily challenged" folks like myself to get aboard the boat.

I can understand that as part of a "pre-operation" tour, but I'd think they'd have to accommodate you by law when they start operation.

[1stwahine]

Fran, if they can't provide assistance, they are breaking Federal Rules!:mad:

File a Report with Protection and Advocacy Agency Hawaii Disability Rights Center 900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 1040 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 949-2922; (800) 882-1057 (in HI).

Ok...here we go again.

Any reporters in the house?

It's a SCOOP!!

Lynn

[anapuni808]

The Superferry has a computer controlled stabilization system using planes in the bow of each hull. These planes can dampen both pitch and roll, the sort of motions that make passengers sick.

The catamaran hulls are designed to move through the water and not just upon the surface at speeds up to 40 knots. There's also enough freeboard to clear the kind of sea conditions you'd find in the channels. If seas are large enough to hit the underside of the vessel between the hulls, then it's unsafe for most other ships as well.

The Superferry is a large vessel. I saw it this past weekend apparently doing docking practice runs and was impressed by its size. For this ship to do what it does, and to move as fast as it does, is quite a feat.BUT - Just in case ..............(lifted from HSF website)

Advice for motion sickness: Do not skip eating, but avoid spicy or greasy foods; sip water or ginger ale; stand and look at a fixed point on the horizon; avoid reading; avoid alcohol and coffee.
Over-the-counter medicines for motion sickness can be effective if taken before or at the start of the trip.



They will apparently be selling these meds on board :D

Fran, if they can't provide assistance, they are breaking Federal Rules!:mad:

File a Report with Protection and Advocacy Agency Hawaii Disability Rights Center 900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 1040 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 949-2922; (800) 882-1057 (in HI).They do provide lifts for wheelchairs on board. That is required by law. Also, they have ramps instead of stairs when you move around which is also an accomodation.

The airports all have curbside wheelchairs available, with a porter to escort a person from the drop off point, through security and right onto the plane if needed. I don't know if that is just a courtesy service or if its an ADA requirement. Whatever, it would be nice is HSF would do the same as a courtesy for some of their passengers who are not as mobile as we would like to be.

this is the email I sent to the Customer Relations person, along with a copy to John Garibaldi:

Aloha Melissa,

I was so looking forward to touring the Alaka`i today until I read an article in the Pacific Business News yesterday which stated that you do not have wheelchairs available for disabled passengers. Since I had asked for that accommodation during my visit and had not received a response stating that it would not be possible, I naturally assumed that my request would have been honored. Otherwise, why ask if we needed “special assistance”?

I called your offices yesterday and when I tried to get information from the female answering the phone, she was not very forthcoming except to very rudely inform me that “We are not a Cruise Ship!”. She refused to answer any of my questions but did provide your cell phone number to me. I called you & left a message in your voice mail. However, you have not chosen to respond.

I was hoping that SuperFerry would be able to provide the same sort of courtesy to passengers that is enjoyed at the airports: access to a wheelchair at the curb, along with a porter to assist mobility challenged passengers through security and into the airline boarding area. I don’t know if this is required through ADA laws or just provided as a service by the airport. But, without this courtesy, many of us would no longer able to travel at will. I have arthritis in both knees and walk with a cane. I am unable to stand for more than a few minutes at a time and am unable to walk very far at a time. I also use a disability pass for the Bus. The service provided at the airports allows me to still travel as I like. And I believe it is a standard service provided by most airports.

Needless to say I was quite disappointed by Hawaii SuperFerry and had to miss out on my tour today. Your receptionist was rude & refused to answer simple questions. You did not bother to return your phone call from me. This is not a good way for a new transportation service to be starting out and is really poor customer relations. I’m sure my not being able to use the boat will not hurt your business but word of mouth advertising goes a long way and this is a small community. I do plan on mentioning this to several reporters I’m acquainted with.

The bottom line is you are going to be in competition with the airlines who will get passengers between islands much faster and cheaper. I would think it would make good business sense to do whatever it takes to encourage people to use YOUR service rather than flying – and that includes accommodating your mobility challenged customers so that they too can enjoy a trip aboard the Alaka`i.

Sincerely,

[1stwahine]

If a person can not board a vessel or a plane due to a challenge ~ the person needs assistance. There are rules and regulations strictly set by the Federal Government. To be spoken to in a manner which is "unprofessional"...the company should be reported!:mad:

Lynn

Great email Fran!

[scrivener]

To be spoken to in a manner which is "unprofessional"...the company should be reported!
Reported to whom? The Federal Bureau of Manners Enforcement?

[anapuni808]

they have been reported now - here on HT! Can't get much more public than this. Also, Garibaldi is president of the company & he got a copy of the email.

[pzarquon]

So the Hawaii Superferry is BYOW, eh? And while there are ramps, you're on your own wheeling your way along? Good to know.

I'm pretty sure these services are courtesies, and not required, and at this point pre-launch it sounds like they've opted not to provide them. I suppose if their primary competition is air travel and airport services, it's certainly a competitive concern. But, well, airports come with a mountain of additional headaches (for those without special needs, at least!), and frankly I'm not sure the Superferry is going for the same market as Aloha, Hawaiian, and go!

Until such time as one or two of the airlines are driven or sued out of business, the Superferry ain't gonna be able to compete on cost. I did an imaginary booking to Kauai, and would be out a huge chunk of change versus the same trip on Hawaiian and a rental car. People who will travel by sea and bring vehicles with 'em are not gonna be bargain hunters. I thought it was funny that the secretary reportedly said, "We're not a cruise ship!" When I'd put 'em closer to that end of the spectrum than an airline.

It's a new but tough market for 'em, that's for sure. They're going to have to balance the additional "courtesies" against their costs. They may decide, or may have already decided, that people who need more than access ramps and other ADA requirements are customers they can live without.

Fran, if they provided a wheelchair and a porter to get you on the Superferry, would you have still taken the tour? I mean, to see all the nooks and crannies on board? Presuming if, like the airport, you only got to borrow their chair and staffmember for that first fifty yards. A tour is considerably more trying than actually taking a trip on this thing, wherein you'd just find a comfy chair near the bar and relax for several hours!

[anapuni808]

actually, yes - I would have gone ahead with the tour. On board, there are chairs to sit in to rest. No chairs while waiting in a security check line or other check in lines. Thats the major problem.

I'm not going to waste any time on this issue. I don't think its an ADA issue, merely accomodation to passengers. I'm sure they have their okoles well covered on ADA issues.

I said what I felt needed to be said in my email. If the issue is resolved and the courtesy extended, I will certainly plan on taking SF often. If not, then I will keep on flying. Either way, I'll get where I need to go!

[LikaNui]

I'm guessing that there are insurance and liability issues at play here. I hope there's a simple answer and a simple solution.
As for the unreturned phone call, that should be no surprise. The marketing folks are undoubtedly swamped with calls and requests on a day that they're hosting hundreds if not thousands of people. They probably won't even hear the message until tomorrow.
Please keep us posted on all of this...

[mel]

I watched Ryan's live webcast on the Superferry today. There was a person in one of those electronic personal movers on board... you know the thing slightly larger than a wheelchair... electric scooter or whatever they are called. My question is how that person got on the passenger deck from the parking deck. I would assume there is an elevator somewhere in the ship to accommodate people who cannot climb stairs. Did not notice that when I visited the Superferry though.

[anapuni808]

I'm guessing that there are insurance and liability issues at play here. I hope there's a simple answer and a simple solution.
As for the unreturned phone call, that should be no surprise. The marketing folks are undoubtedly swamped with calls and requests on a day that they're hosting hundreds if not thousands of people. They probably won't even hear the message until tomorrow.
Please keep us posted on all of this...

I made the phone call yesterday morning, plenty of time for her to respond - even into the evening. I know she works late because I had previously gotten an email regarding the prior tours, sent by her at 11pm. If I had left a message on an office voice mail, then yes - don't expect a call-back until Monday. But, this was her cell phone which presumably was on her person.

If this is an insurance issue or liability issue, they need to make a disclaimer of some sort visible in their materials. To ask on their reservation form if one needs "special assistance" and then not respond if they are unable to provide the assistance requested is very poor customer service.

I'm a business person & understand the protocol of returning calls. I've also worked for a PR firm in the past - I understand about customer relations. The point is moot at this time. If someone responds to my email, then I will discuss it with that person. Until then, nothing more can be accomplished by discussing the matter on HT.

I watched Ryan's live webcast on the Superferry today. There was a person in one of those electronic personal movers on board... you know the thing slightly larger than a wheelchair... electric scooter or whatever they are called. My question is how that person got on the passenger deck from the parking deck. I would assume there is an elevator somewhere in the ship to accommodate people who cannot climb stairs. Did not notice that when I visited the Superferry though.

Yes, there are apparently what was described to me as "lifts" to move wheelchair passengers. and ramps rather than stairs to move between sections of the boat.

[Leo Lakio]

I was so looking forward to touring the Alaka`i today ... they too can enjoy a trip aboard the Alaka`i.Pssst...remember, it's "Alakai," not "Alaka`i" - different meaning.

Sorry to hear about the failure to accomodate your needs here, Fran. Let's hope they look at it as an "oops, she's right - we failed to deal with this in the best way we could; let's correct that" situation. Then they offer you a free pass as an apology, too.

[pzarquon]

That was great. What a crowd, too. Even with the controlled guest list, the whole place was abuzz. And with good reason. It is indeed an impressive, attractive vessel. A well-appointed hotel lobby on the sea.

Every amenity made me think of sitting in an airplane seat, crammed in and fiercely controlled, being drained of my energy and patience. The wide aisles, tables, snack bar and even kids' play area made me cringe at the thought of taking kids on another interisland flight. Even sitting still, the Superferry was a pleasure to be on. Can you imagine getting to your destination and not wanting to get off your transport as quickly as possible?

Anyway. It's clear at every level that the Superferry ain't out to compete on price. They're there for everything else! There'll be food -- real food, from pasta dishes to spam musubi and saimin. There are airplane-style seats, small coffee tables, and large booths. (The large booths -- six on each side of the center cabin -- were the only place I saw prominently placed power outlets.) For $20 extra you get to ride in the Hahalua Lounge. Sure, you get a free drink and pupu, you have comfier chairs, and reading material (i.e. The Honolulu Advertiser). But you're really paying for the view out those front windows. It really is something.

An interesting side-effect of all that gorgeous glass, though? THe Hahalua Lounge is actually kinda hot!

The car bay will hold over a hundred cars and several larger vehicles. They had a UPS truck parked inside to illustrate! Despite all the creature comforts, it looks like the business market is a big part of their strategy.

You can watch every minute of our tour, shuttle in to shuttle out, right here (http://www.hawaiigeek.tv/archives/superferry.html). A special treat (which will later be included in my podcast): an interview with Terry O'Halloran, director of business development for Hawaii Superferry.

As to the accessibility issue, I gotta tell you, porters and wheelchairs at the pier aside, there seemed to be a lot of attention paid to disability-related details. Heck, there were easily half a dozen, perhaps more, folks rolling around in their motorized scooters. There was a restroom big enough to roll one of those scooters right into. The aisles were wide, there were ramps everywhere, and "rollers" and "strollers" (biped and baby!) coexisted surprisingly well.

Indeed, it seemed like many of the chair-bound visitors had the rapt attention of a crewmember, and every conversation (including one at the door of that bathroom, which you can hear in my tour video) seemed to be, "How can we accommodate you? What would work better?" O'Halloran even explicitly mentioned those with limited mobility in my interview -- how they were especially happy to give a travel option to people who never get on airplanes.

Anyway. The "live" video is available now, I'm uploading photos tonight (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaii/tags/superferry), I'll have an edited set of clips up soon, and after that, my interview with O'Halloran on the next HawaiiUP (http://www.hawaiiup.com). Enjoy!

[anapuni808]

I'm sure there are many accomodations aboard the boat for those with limited mobility. However, one must be able to get aboard the boat to enjoy these amenities.

Pssst...remember, it's "Alakai," not "Alaka`i" - different meaning.

Sorry to hear about the failure to accomodate your needs here, Fran. Let's hope they look at it as an "oops, she's right - we failed to deal with this in the best way we could; let's correct that" situation. Then they offer you a free pass as an apology, too.

Leo, thanks for the correction. I was wrong in my use of the okina. I guess that will cancel out any "oops" on their part right? :p

[tutusue]

I'm sure there are many accomodations aboard the boat for those with limited mobility. However, one must be able to get aboard the boat to enjoy these amenities.[...]
Fran, it's almost starting to sound like you might've been the victim of a disgruntled, stressed out employee rather than the Super Ferry's inability to accomodate you. :confused:

Regardless...bummers that you were not able to take the tour.

[LikaNui]

As to the accessibility issue, I gotta tell you, porters and wheelchairs at the pier aside, there seemed to be a lot of attention paid to disability-related details. (...) Indeed, it seemed like many of the chair-bound visitors had the rapt attention of a crewmember, and every conversation (including one at the door of that bathroom, which you can hear in my tour video) seemed to be, "How can we accommodate you? What would work better?" O'Halloran even explicitly mentioned those with limited mobility in my interview -- how they were especially happy to give a travel option to people who never get on airp