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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 4:27 p.m., Friday, February 1, 2008

Hawaii Superferry cancels tomorrow's Maui-Oahu trips

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii Superferry voyages for tomorrow between Maui and O'ahu have been canceled and Sunday's voyages are subject to the completion of repairs to the company's vessel, the Alakai, the company said today.

Inclement weather forced the Alakai to remain dockside from Sunday through Wednesday this week. During that time, Hawaii Superferry performed routine maintenance inspections, during which the need for repair work on the vessel's structure encompassing the auxiliary rudders was identified. Voyages since yesterday have been canceled to conduct the repairs, which have taken longer than anticipated.

"We are taking all the necessary steps and following the best practices protocol to ensure the repairs are properly completed and the Alakai is as good as new," said Joe Almony, Hawaii Superferry director of maintenance and engineering. "This means we will need some additional time this weekend to complete and test the repairs."

So far, structural repairs to the portside unit have been completed and are pending final inspection and approval. Repairs to the starboard side unit are taking longer than anticipated, but should be completed soon, the company said.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers while our engineers work to complete the repairs," said Lani Olds, Hawaii Superferry director of customer experience and community relations. "Meanwhile, we are fully accommodating our passengers' needs and are providing solutions for our customers with stranded vehicles or other concerns on a case by case basis."

Passengers holding reservations for this week's affected voyages are being contacted regularly with updates regarding their voyage status, the company said.

Customers are also encouraged to visit www.HawaiiSuperferry.com for the latest travel information.