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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 3:08 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2008

Superferry service to Kauai on hold; 2nd Maui one set

Associated Press

HONOLULU — Hawaii Superferry announced Friday that it is further delaying resumption of service linking Honolulu and Kaua'i, but will instead start a second voyage between Honolulu and Maui, starting Jan. 16.

Hawaii Superferry president and CEO John Garibaldi said the Honolulu-Kaua'i service is important to the company which has provided Hawaii with its first interisland vehicle and passenger service.

"We've decided, however, to initiate a second voyage to Maui sooner in order to allow more time in which to work with the community on Kauai to ensure a safe and successful resumption of service," Garibaldi said. "As we have always stated, our business model is dependent on running two trips per day, and right now we've got to meet those needs."

The Honolulu-Kaua'i run was halted soon after it began in August because of demonstrations at Nawiliwili Harbor.

The Honolulu-Maui run was also launched in August, but was quickly shut down because of legal problems later resolved by the Legislature. The Maui service resumed in December.

The second Honolulu-Maui run will be Sundays through Fridays. The $95 million, 350-foot Alakai, which can carry more than 800 passengers and 200 vehicles, will leave Honolulu at 3:15 p.m., arriving in Kahului Harbor at 7 p.m. It will depart Kahului at 8 p.m. and arrive in Honolulu Harbor at 11 p.m.

The current service will continue to operate seven days a week, departing Honolulu at 6:30 a.m. and arriving Kahului at 10:15 a.m., and then leaving Kahului at 11:15 a.m. and reaching Honolulu at 2:15 p.m.

"A second voyage to Maui will benefit our customers who want the convenience of having an afternoon voyage," Garibaldi said. "The second voyage also will greatly benefit our commercial customers, giving them more flexibility in reaching their markets."

Garibaldi said additional Honolulu-Maui service had been planned to begin when a second vessel is placed into service in early 2009, also opening up service between Honolulu and the Big Island. The second ship is being built in Mobile, Ala.