Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

[helen]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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!
(I wish.)
Hey, who wants to come along, take photos, and put 'em right online? Since the SuperFerry has, you know, internet access.

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.

[GeckoGeek]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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.
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]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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 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]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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

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

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

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]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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!

Lynn

Great email Fran!

[scrivener]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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]

Re: Hawai'i Superferry - Chapter 4

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.