Hawaii’s World
I keep hoping for Hawaii to develop a strong Republican Party and a successful ferry system -- and have had no luck with either. New attempt to
launch ferry serviceNow the state has $4 million from, of all sources, a national Amtrak fund, that it will be allowed to use to make the most thorough study yet of a ferry system connecting Leeward Oahu and Honolulu.
Julia Tsumoto, head of the state's transportation planning office, says negotiations for a research contract -- she stresses "research" -- with Pacific Marine and Supply Co. are near to a contract-letting. Pacific Marine is the state's principal owner/operator of high-speed stable, platform vessels like Navatek and SLICE.
It plans to use a 140-passenger hydrofoil in controlled tests that will start in a month or two (it is hoped) with commuter service from Barbers Point Harbor to Pier 9, near the Gordon Biersch restaurant at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, in Honolulu harbor.
Later variations will use a Kewalo Harbor terminus instead of Pier 9 and, in Leeward, test terminals at Iroquois Point near the entrance to Pearl Harbor, serving Ewa Beach, and a base in Middle Loch, close to Leeward College. Shuttles will coordinate with arrivals and departures at both ends of the line. There will be parking, too -- perhaps even downtown.
Rides will be free initially, but on a reservation basis. Those without reservations will get standby status. Research will probe what fares might be acceptable. Any operations still will have to be highly subsidized.
But Eric Schiff, vice president of Pacific Marine, contends that if the whole picture of highway subsidies were considered, ferries might turn out cheaper than freeways.
Schiff recently showed the ferry to a delegation from the Hawaii Society of Corporate Planners. It is Norwegian-built, reflagged as American for ferry tests by act of Congress. Work is progressing with the Coast Guard on safety regulations for this unconventional ship.
The cabin comfortably seats 140 passengers. It is wider than a 747 airliner cabin, has overhead storage bins, and 10 abreast 3-4-3 seating, with wide tray-arms splitting the mid-four to two and two.
Schiff said that even in 6-foot waves the ride should be no rougher than a rough trolley ride. Speeds will exceed 40 miles an hour.
Initial planning is for a 45-minute run between Barbers Point and Pier 9, including line-handling at both ends. Departures from Barbers Point would be at 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. with returns from Pier 9 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Years ago a Honolulu-Leeward ferry promoted happy hours on its afternoon trips but fell afoul of rough seas the newer vessel may handle better.
Both technology and area demographics have changed a lot, Tsumoto points out, since the most recent brief ferry attempt in 1993. The Leeward population build-up has been substantial.
E. Alvey Wright, former state transportation director and a foremost proponent of ferry services, still cautions that Hawaii seas likely will make some passengers queasy on a small percentage of trips. He, too, has undergone disappointments in seeking the realization of his dreams for successful ferry systems throughout Hawaii.
A.A. Smyser is the contributing editor
and former editor of the the Star-Bulletin
His column runs Tuesday and Thursday.