Updated at 12:40 p.m., Monday, September 24, 2007
Whale expert: Superferry speed poses collision threat
Advertiser Staff
WAILUKU, Maui — The Hawaii Superferry poses a substantial threat to humpback whales and other whale and dolphin species in the Islands, according to the head of the Pacific Whale Foundation.Greg Kaufman, president and founder of the Maui-based research and education group, today testified the 350-foot ferry will travel through waters around Maui and Moloka'i containing the state's densest populations of humpbacks and other whales.
He said studies have shown that high-speed ferries — those traveling at 25 knots or more — are responsible for the half the whale-vessel collisions around the world. The new interisland ferry is expected to cruise at 37 knots, making it the fastest commercial vessel in local waters.
Kaufman's appearance kicked off the third week of testimony in a Maui Circuit Court hearing to determine whether the Hawaii Superferry can resume operations while the state conducts an environmental assessment of ferry-related projects at Kahului Harbor.
His testimony will continue this afternoon.
