Superferry in Hawaii Rejected by Flotilla of Surfers
Posted by Jon Shafer at 8/30/2007 5:04 AM and is filed under uncategorized 
According to published news reports, the behemoth ferry dubbed 'Superferry' has suspended inter-island service indefinitely.
As can be seen in the YouTube video below, angry prostesters swam and paddled out into the waters of Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai to fend off the ferry, and successfully blocked the entrance -- an apparent victory for the watermen. Their actions forced the ferry to return to its home port in Honolulu, despite an attempt by a Coast Guard cutter to clear an entry path. Several protesters were arrested.
The 350-foot vessel, a mega-catamara, suspended service Tuesday after the United States Coast Guard said it could not assure safe passage. Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle, a once ardent supporter of the Superferry, has also become overwhelmingly concerned with public safety.
Prior to the introduction of the Superferry, the only option available for inter-island travel was by air. Supporters of the ferry service were enthusiastic about the significant cost reduction that would be made available to travellers.
Environmental concerns include endangerment to whales and other marine mammals, as well as the potential spoiling of the natural environment.
So, what's worse really, air-pollution, or water-pollution? Would the operation of one ferry harm the environment as much as the many flights needed to transport travellers between the Hawaiian Islands? What about the affordability/cost factor? Many of the locals simply cannot afford the high cost of airline tickets, while the Superferry would provide a cost-effective solution.
What do you think? Please post a comment below.
What do you think? Please post a comment below.
That Boat is cool looking. I would love to be on it. The people in the water should get a job, or go surfing man... There in Hawaii it does not look like they have much support.
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It's a tough call as far as waters. air pollution - If I lived on Kauai I don't think I would want groups of people and their 4x4s coming to surf there either & I don't see the cost effectiveness of taking the ferry. Flight + rental car is probably cheaper - https://res.hawaiisuperferry.com/direct/enHSF/bkg_first.asp
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These are all good points. One thing that comes to mind for me is all of the money and energy spent on shipping...just to get all of the necessary jet fuel from the refineries on the mainland all the way to the islands. This whole thing is a very complex issue and raises many questions. It seems that the surfers are the most outspoken critics. Localism (against the hoales) is well documented, but is there a problem with inter-island localism in Hawaii? Do the surfers on Kauai have a problem with those from the other islands?
...Interesting...
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I find it rather ironic..my sister has lived on Kauai for over 20 years. When I visit,I can't believe how behind the times Hawaii is and the local people on helping the enviroment. Dogs poop on every beach, all the time, never see the owners pick up after them,and most don't even THINK of recycling cans, plastics, etc. Now they are acting like they are doing the world a big favor by stopping an inexpensive way to travel inner island, I don't get it!!
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