Superferry pros, cons discussed at hearings

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Hawai'i Superferry may energize Neighbor Island economies, but it could congest their roads and parks with O'ahu cars.

As the state Public Utilities Commission campaigns the proposed ferry system through Neighbor Island public hearings this week, the Hawai'i community seems split between a cheerleading fascination with the statewide ferry system and reservations about what it could mean to the Islands.

"I think it's going to be great, not only for moving people between islands affordably, but also for agricultural and other freight. I can't see that it won't be a huge benefit for us," said Beth Tokioka, Kaua'i County's economic development director.

Others argue that this kind of boosterism masks real issues.

"At any speed over 20 miles an hour is where you're looking at deadly collisions — deadly for humans as well as whales," said Greg Kaufman, president of the Pacific Whale Foundation. "And at the proposed speeds of 40 to 45 miles an hour, there is no way they can avoid an animal."

There's talk about forward-looking sonar and computerized ocean-scanning equipment, but "no one has been able to develop high-speed collision avoidance systems," Kaufman said.

John Garibaldi, chief executive officer of Hawai'i Superferry, said the firm is working to minimize approaches to whales.

"During the whale season, we'll be changing routes" to respond to where whales are, he said. And the company continues to research the best equipment for spotting whales in the vessels' path.

Humpback whales are common in Hawaiian waters from December to May. Naomi McIntosh, manager of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, said she has participated with Hawai'i Superferry personnel in workshops to mitigate possible collisions.

"We've been having a lot of talks about what can be done," she said.

A particular concern is humpback whale calves, which tend to stay nearer the surface than adults, but are harder to spot because of their smaller size, she said.

Others worry about whether Hawai'i's harbors can handle the ferry, or whether they can be adequately retrofitted in time for a planned 2006 rollout of ferry service. Issues at several harbors include dock space, sewage pumpout capabilities and parking for hundreds of cars. At some harbors, notably Kahului on Maui, there are also issues about harbor expansion crowding other ocean uses like outrigger canoe paddling.

"We are having internal discussions right now as to cost, sewage, ramps and parking areas," said state Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Ishikawa. "And we've been meeting with Maui canoe clubs to try to figure out if we can accommodate everybody."

Garibaldi said his firm has worked with the Department of Transportation Harbors Division and identified changes needed at each of its proposed terminals.

The firm has proposed bringing in two identical ferries, each 340 feet long with a capacity of 866 passengers and as many as 340 small cars "although we expect the average load to be about half that."

Garibaldi said the first ship should arrive in late 2006, with the second arriving 15 to 16 months later. The vessels would have about a 40 mph cruising speed.

The schedule when one vessel is available probably would have one daily round-trip to Kahului, with trips alternating every other day to Kawaihae and Nawiliwili. Adult fares, estimated at $50 midweek and $60 Friday through Monday, might rise if fuel prices stay up, he said.

The Sierra Club of Hawai'i is one organization with conflicting views, said its director, Jeff Mikulina.

"It has tremendous potential, and we want to do whatever we can to support diversified agriculture, particularly of organic crops. It's encouraging that they have a zero-discharge policy, and they have taken some corrective measures in the area of marine collisions, although I don't know if it's enough," Mikulina said.

On the other hand, the Sierra Club worries that the easy influx of cars could damage the rural feeling of some Neighbor Island areas. And it is particularly worried about alien species being able to readily move from one island to another

"What if a farm truck from the Big Island gets on the ferry with miconia seeds in its wheel wells? Are they going to wash those cars before they transport them?" Mikulina said.

Honolulu-based land developer John Michael White said he's ridden ferries around the world, and feels it's a perfect fit for Hawai'i.

"The towns that have the ferry terminals, the economy bustles. It's so convenient. You take your car wherever you go. The only ones that are going to feel a little pinch are the rent-a-car companies," he said.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 245-3074.