Two seek taxi dispatch concession at airport

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Two companies have expressed interest in running the taxi dispatch operation at Honolulu International Airport, including one that currently is doing the job.

TheCab, which took over taxi dispatching at the airport last month on a temporary basis, yesterday said that it submitted a proposal to run the concession on a long-term basis, even though the state said existing taxi or ground transportation companies would no longer be eligible.

The name of the other company seeking the concession was not released for privacy reasons, Transportation Department spokesman Scott Ishikawa said.

Darwin Abenoja, controller of TheCab, said the company wants the opportunity to continue operating the dispatch operation.

"We think we're doing a good job and should have a fair chance to continue," Abenoja said.

The Transportation Department's request for proposals, however, specifically excludes taxis and other ground transportation firms "before and during the term" of the new lease.

"They've basically excluded a whole class of business from applying for the job. We think that's discriminatory," said Gary Tsuji, attorney for TheCab.

Abenoja added that the state's proposal has a fatal flaw.

"They say you can't be a taxi company, but that's what you become as soon as you get the contract to dispatch taxis," he said.

The company raised its objections with the Transportation Department before yesterday's deadline to submit qualifications for the lease and then decided to apply.

Transportation Director Rod Haraga said Wednesday that the state was trying to create a level playing field at the airport in which everyone is entitled to provide taxi service.

Abenoja said TheCab already is doing that and has worked hard to eliminate complaints that arose with the previous operator, SIDA of Hawai'i.