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State ferry will
fetch Waipahu
commuters
The 'Ferry Godfather'
By Lori Tighe
promises traffic relief
by the end of June
Star-BulletinThe state's "Ferry Godfather" promises to grant the wishes of beleaguered Waipahu commuters who want an alternative to sitting in freeway traffic.
Dean Nakagawa, the state ferry project manager at the Department of Transportation, told a lively Waipahu Neighborhood Board Meeting last week that the state's Wikiwiki Ferry will be coming for them at the end of June.
Nakagawa has been called the Ferry Godfather because he champions the pilot ferry program for west Oahu commuters who would rather ride a boat to work than fight traffic.
The state is midway in its year-long demonstration to test the waters of running a ferry system. It's trying out three departure sites: Barbers Point, Middle Loch and Iroquois Point. The ferry makes six runs and drops riders off at Aloha Tower Marketplace.
The WikiWiki Ferry began picking up passengers at Barbers Point in October, and in late June switches to Middle Loch, near the Ted Makalena Golf Course.
"It looks promising," Nakagawa said, referring to the ferry's future. But even the Ferry Godfather must deal with the reality of money.
"We need more information and to study our financials," to decide if the WikiWiki ferry will become permanent.
Private ferry systems have failed in the past, Nakagawa said, shuttling just four to five riders a day, which sunk profitability.
The DOT is still figuring out how to make the ferry a viable option.
"We're looking at the total system, how we can integrate with the bus system for a seamless transportation network," he said.
The state launched the WikiWiki in October with free rides through November. About 300 to 400 passengers flocked to the ferry a day.
In December, the state began charging $3 for round trips, and riders dropped to 50 a day, Nakagawa said.
Traffic picked up between January and March with 170 to 200 riders a day. Then regulars dwindled to about 80 "hard-core commuters" a day, he said.
The state also is looking into federal subsidies and tying in commercial activities for more revenue to operate the 95-foot ferry that can go 34 to 50 knots and hold 136 passengers.
The DOT has consulted other ferry systems, including Seattle and San Francisco. Their ferry systems work well because a boat is the only way to reach the destinations they connect, he said.
"Here we have roadways," he said. "The cost factor has to be assessed."
But Leeward riders who have remained on the WikiWiki swear by it, he said.
"They're sold. This is it."
For more information, call the WikiWiki
Ferry hot line at 848-6360.
