Hydrofoil launches
rush-hour rides
The 'wikiwiki ferry' zips
By Pat Omandam
off Kalaeloa-downtown trips
for free this month
Star-BulletinThe state will look once again to the sea to help alleviate the rush-hour commute on land for Oahu residents.
Citing improved ferry technology and a better overall plan, the state announced it will launch an intra-island ferry in 10 days that will transport weekday commuters between Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor and Aloha Tower.
State officials hope this one-year, $2.9 million demonstration project will attract those willing to take a more relaxed, leisurely commute to and from work, said state Transportation Director Kazu Hayashida.
"From a transportation standpoint, we hope the ferry fills a niche," said Hayashida, who said commuter ferries are in use in many cities around the world.
"We know trying something new is always hard, but we hope drivers will try the ferry and see if it improves their commute," he said.
Anchoring the project is the 136-passenger "wikiwiki ferry," a 95-foot high-speed hydrofoil that can reach a cruising speed of 45 knots. The vessel, named Foilcat, was constructed in Mandal, Norway, in 1992. It was in ferry service in Denmark and Indonesia before it was bought by Pacific Marine and Supply Co. in 1997.
The company has contracted with the state to do the ferry study. So far, it has spent more than $2.5 million to bring the hydrofoil in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard requirements and to prepare it for ferry service in Hawaii.
Pacific Marine president Steven Loui said technological advances have improved the ferry, making it a viable commuting alternative. Loui said ferries today have greater speeds and a more comfortable ride.
State officials and the media took a 30-minute trip on the wikiwiki ferry yesterday to Diamond Head and back to Aloha Tower. The ferry's passenger area features a wide, carpeted, air-conditioned interior with large windows. Cushioned seats are arranged three in a row along the sides of the vessel, with overhead bins and fold-down trays, much like an airplane. Booth-style seatings occupy the middle of the interior.
Each seat has a life jacket stowed underneath, with children's life vests set aside in a storage bin in the middle of the passenger area.
The ride yesterday was relatively quiet but a little rough in the open ocean. Loui and others said the choppiness was due to the sea conditions. The Foilcat is the first vessel in the United States to be certified as a high-speed craft, a designation based on international standards, he said.
The hydrofoil's maximum speed is 50 knots, but Loui said the ferry trip will usually be made at between 30 and 35 knots. The ride between Kapolei and downtown is expected to take 30 minutes, with a 15-minute stop at each pier, he said.
The ferry is free for the first month. Officials will decide, based on ridership, how much the fare will be. But Loui said the fare generated is not expected to pay for the cost of operating the ferry.
The ferry will operate Monday through Friday, making two trips in the morning and afternoon rush hour. Park-and-ride facilities will be available, and shuttle transportation will be provided to and from designated locations within Barbers Point and downtown.
Reservations are required to guarantee a seat. Call 848-6360.
The state Legislature in 1998 authorized funds for the research and demonstration ferry project. House Speaker Calvin Say (D, Palolo) said yesterday that lawmakers have been looking for years at ways to ease traffic problems for Leeward commuters.
Full speed ahead
What: "Wikiwiki ferry" demonstration project.
