Riding ferry would be
half the cost of flying
Hawaii Superferry Inc., which plans to begin interisland ferry service in late 2006, has filed a proposed rate structure that calls for one-way adult fares of $50 to $70 -- about half of what it costs to fly on Hawaii's two main interisland airlines.
"Everything is progressing according to plan," said John Garibaldi, Superferry chief executive. "There's a tremendous amount of interest being shown by the potential equity investors, by the Maritime Administration and a great amount of support by the state government to help us implement our projects."
Ticket to ride
Here is a sample of Superferry one-way fares:» For passengers going to and from Maui and Kauai from Oahu, fares would be $50 for off-peak hours and $60 for peak hours. Autos would be $55 for off-peak hours and $65 for peak hours.
» For the Big Island, passenger fares would be $60 for off-peak hours and $70 for peak hours. Fares for autos would be $65 for off-peak hours and $75 for peak hours.
The rate filing with the state Public Utilities Commission was necessary so that Hawaii Superferry could get a certificate that will allow it to transport passengers and vehicles.
Superferry passenger one-way fares, including taxes and fees, would be $50 for off-peak hours and $60 for peak hours to and from Maui and Kauai from Oahu. Passenger autos under 16 feet long would be $55 for off-peak hours and $65 for peak hours.
For the Big Island, passenger fares would be $60 for off-peak hours and $70 for peak hours with the fares for autos at $65 for off-peak hours and $75 for peak hours.
Fares for most children under 2 would be $15.
A Hawaiian Airlines spokesman said the carrier's one-way interisland fares range from $86 to $135. An Aloha Airlines spokesman said the carrier's fares range from $59 to $125.
The ferries leaving Oahu will depart from Pier 19 in Honolulu. Garibaldi said the company still needs a ramping area for cars, ticketing and passenger waiting areas and other necessities.
Trips between Oahu and Maui and Oahu and Kauai will take about three hours, with trips between Oahu and the Big Island taking about four hours. When both its vessels are in service, Hawaii Superferry said it plans to offer at least daily service between Oahu and the three other islands. The first ferry will be launched in 2006 and the second ferry is scheduled for mid-2008.
With just one vessel, Hawaii Superferry will offer daily service to Maui and Kauai, with two trips to Maui on Wednesday and Friday. The ferry will travel to the Big Island five days a week.
Each ferry will carry up to 866 people and 282 cars per trip or a combination of 26 trucks/buses and 65 cars. Construction of the first ferry began in May while work on the second vessel is expected to begin in mid-2006.