"We're very very pleased to have this in place," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said. "We want to appeal to the people of west O'ahu to use this service."

Approximate launch dates had been set before but were moved back several times as officials and ferry operator Hornblower Marine Services worked out details and sought release of a $3 million federal grant.

Hannemann said the service will begin Sept. 4 — the Tuesday following the Labor Day weekend — unless there are "unforeseen delays."

The one-hour ferry rides should give commuters an alternative to fighting traffic in their cars, he said.

Plans to serve coffee and other refreshments on board are under consideration, city transit director Melvin Kaku said.

The ferries are to run for at least one year, and the service could be extended if ridership is high, Hannemann said.

Each ferry can carry 149 passengers and 10 bicycles, but officials have not set a specific ridership goal, Kaku said.

Additional stops at Iroquois Point and Ocean Pointe are being discussed, Hannemann said.

The ferries — named the Melissa Ann and the Rachel Marie — are to make three trips in each direction on weekdays, and will link with shuttle buses at each terminal.

Buses will bring passengers to the Kalaeloa pier from the Wai'anae Transit Center, and the Villages of Kapolei and Makakilo.

From Aloha Tower, buses will go to the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, and to Waikiki via Ala Moana.