Friday, August 31, 2007

FW: [boycottsuperferry.org] An Open Letter to Mr. Garibaldi and the Investors of

Mr. Garibaldi:

We feel it is necessary to address your comments describing Kaua'i
people involved in this week's nonviolent protests as a "minority
dissident group". While the people of Kaua'i may make up only about 5%
of the population of the State of Hawai'i, we are however 100% of the
population of our beloved island home.

Our Kaua'i majority has been well represented by a number of our elected
officials, who also attended the demonstrations earlier this week:

* Our Kaua'i state Senator, Gary Hooser, has been exemplary in
communicating our request for a lawful Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) for your ferry operation.
* Mina Morita, state Representative from Kaua'i, has also been
extremely supportive in the effort to obtain an EIS.
* On the local County level, our Kaua'i Council was first in the
state, followed by Maui and the Big Island, in passing a resolution
calling for an EIS. Kaua'i Council member JoAnn Yukimura, along with
newly elected Council member Tim Bynum, continue to be vocal and active
in their reasonable requests for an EIS.
* And finally, at the resident level, over 6,000 Kaua’ians
signed a petition to Governor Lingle calling for an EIS.

Mr. Garibaldi, if you had been witness to Monday's protest on the
ground, you would have observed nearly one thousand peace-loving Kaua'i
people from all walks of life and many different races. Families
together, parents carrying their babies. Young and old, wealthy and
humble, we all took time from our busy lives to chant aloud: "FOLLOW THE
LAW, SHOW US YOUR EIS!"

We would like to direct your attention to several local newspaper
articles which illustrate the broad and diverse base of community
support for our movement:

* On Tuesday, August 28, the Honolulu Advertiser published an article
by Jan TenBruggencate entitled "Groups unite against Superferry".
* Also on Tuesday, Honolulu Advertiser columnist Lee Cataluna wrote
"Stop 'local' card with Superferry" -- describing what we also see as
'living local': "asking hard questions, going to court, holding protest
signs and treading water in Nawiliwili Harbor."
* On Wednesday, August 29, The Garden Island newspaper of Kaua'i
published an article by Nathan Eagle entitled "Action unites many" which
described our common cause.

Mr. Garibaldi, it now stands clear that you made a grievous error in
accelerating the launch date of your ferry service. It was truly this
action which galvanized the resistance in the Kaua'i community. The
result was a tremendous popular uproar, the demonstration of which has
now been documented in the news media.

We commend you for taking responsibility for your displaced and stranded
customers, and returning them to their port of origin. We suggest that
you take one further step and issue a formal statement of apology to
both your customers and the Hawaii Supreme Court for disregarding the
court's ruling of Thursday, August 23rd and deliberately confusing a
matter of the rule of law.

The truth about the Kaua'i protests is that the courageous actions of a
few were made with the deep support of many. We demonstrated the resolve
and tenacity of our diverse island community by resisting your
anti-democratic rush to commence operations. The people of Kaua'i are
not fools. We have clearly observed the collusion of state government
officials with your commercial interests, resulting in the violation of
Hawai'i state law. We demand a democratic process, in which public input
from Kaua'i residents is included in the evaluation of your ferry
operation's environmental, cultural, and social impacts.

In closing, we would like to bring your attention to an incident which
occurred here this week. On Tuesday, August 28th at about 5:15 pm,
eyewitnesses reported two uniformed Hawaii Superferry employees dumping
bloody fish carcasses and chunks of fish over the Nawiliwili harbor
jetty seawall into the bay. When confronted and advised that there were
surfers in the bay, and that the fish remains might attract dangerous
sharks to the area, your employees reportedly shrugged and said, "So"?

Is this the kind of responsible corporate behavior which we should
expect from Hawaii Superferry?

Me Ke Aloha,

[~ HUI-R]

_________________________________________________________________
Gear up for Halo® 3 with free downloads and an exclusive offer.

http://gethalo3gear.com?ocid=SeptemberWLHalo3_MSNHMTxt_1

A humorous look at Superferry's reasoning


Superferry Bad for Hawaii's Sealife?
By Neil Rhoads, 8/30/2007

I was just told that a Superferry official is quoted as saying that since the Superferry has no propellers, it does not pose a hazard to sea life. This person has a bright future waiting if they ever become a state Department of Transportation official. Imagine how this kind of thinking could simplify life for automobile drivers.

Cars and trucks have no propellers, therefore, at speeds up to 42 mph they should pose no hazard to dogs, cats, and little children. No more slowing down in school zones. Cars and trucks are blunt, so kids should be able to bounce right off and be just fine. Wait, that's not fair. School zones are heavily populated, so maybe we should have drivers plow through at 25 mph or so. Residential streets are sparsely populated, though, so cruising along at 42 mph, a dull thud from the occasional dog, cat, child, or monk seal won't be noticed.

While we're at it, think of the money the state could make by licensing jet skis in Molokini and Hanauma Bay. Like the Superferry, they are propelled by jets of water and pose no hazard. Snorklers young and old will simply bounce off the hull and be just fine. Oh, parasailing boats are jet powered too, so we could lift the ban and let them operate during whale season. Think of the possibilities…

Neil Rhoads, a resident of Kihei, Maui, can be reached at  neil@neilrhoads.com

Source:

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Hawaii Superferry CEO on special Hot Seat tomorrow

Hawaii Superferry CEO on special Hot Seat tomorrow

Advertiser Staff

 

Hawaii Superferry CEO and President John Garibaldi takes questions tomorrow on The Hot Seat.

Advertiser library photo | June 2007

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Hawaii Superferry CEO and President John Garibaldi will be on a special Hot Seat session tomorrow for a live blog chat from noon to 1 p.m.

Just days before the Superferry was set to begin service, the Hawai'i Supreme Court issued a ruling directing the state to conduct an environmental assessment to determine the impact the service would have on Kahului Harbor on Maui. This came after the Superferry received state approvals and the state spent more than $40 million in taxpayers' dollars on harbor improvements to pave the way for the ferry service.

Superferry officials started its service earlier than scheduled, resulting in a court order requiring them to halt service to Maui until Sept. 11; Superferry's move also set off protests on Kaua'i. Protesters there blocked the harbor and harassed passengers trying to exit the ferry.

The chain of events also resulted in a deluge of letters to the editor, on both sides of the argument.

Garibaldi will be taking your questions live tomorrow on The Hot Seat. It is expected to be a busy session, so it's best to be there live to ensure your questions gets in.

Go to The Hot Seat to post questions for the live chat that will be moderated by Advertiser Editorial and Opinion Editor Jeanne Mariani-Belding.

Or send your questions in advance to jmbelding@honoluluadvertiser.com.



Bush plans 2 Hawaii stopovers next week: Coincidence???

Dear Concerned Residents of the Supeferry Issue,

Does this seem like a meer coincidence that President Bush is making 2 trips to O'ahu next week, the first labeled as a "fuel stop" to a plane that can travel half-way around the world without refueling?

The Superferry's use seems much more important to the Bush Administration's overall plan than the simple commercial venture would seem....

Watch and feel what's really happening behind the facade's...

Blessings, and Malama Pono,

John

From the Honolulu advertiser today:
Posted on: Thursday, August 30, 2007

Bush plans 2 Hawaii stopovers next week

By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer


Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

President George W. Bush

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President George W. Bush is tentatively scheduled to stop on O'ahu on two occasions next week, arriving Monday for a short while, then returning Sept. 8 for a lunch with troops, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

Air Force One is scheduled to make a "fuel stop" Monday on O'ahu, according to Albert Joaquin, special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Honolulu division. No other information about the president's plans that day was available.

On Sept. 8, Bush will return here for a three-hour lunch with members of the armed forces at a yet-to-be-disclosed location, Joaquin said.

White House spokesman Trey Bohn declined to confirm the visits yesterday. A spokesman for Gov. Linda Lingle said he had no information about a presidential visit.

Air Force One is a specially-configured Boeing 747-200B capable of flying halfway around the world without refueling and can accommodate more than 70 passengers, according to the White House.

Air Force One is scheduled to touch down at Hickam Air Force Base at 3:05 p.m. Monday and leave at 4:35 p.m. On Sept. 8, Bush is scheduled to arrive at Hickam at 11:30 a.m. and depart at 3 p.m.

Bush was in New Orleans yesterday commemorating the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall in the city.

A mix of Secret Service agents and Honolulu police officers are used to escort and guard Bush while he is on O'ahu.

"We will do a complete survey of all the possible motorcade routes and security scenarios," Joaquin said.

A spokeswoman with the Honolulu Police Department declined comment yesterday.

Honolulu police officer Steve Favela, 30, an eight-year HPD officer, died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash while escorting the presidential motorcade on Hickam Air Force Base on Nov. 21.

At the time, Bush and his wife spoke directly with Favela's family and offered their condolences and thanks.

During the November visit, Bush spent the morning with troops and commanders after a six-day trip to Southeast Asia.

The president's first visit to Hawai'i was in 2003.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com


Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Superferry cancels today's Kauai trip

Superferry cancels today's Kauai trip

Advertiser Staff

The Hawaii Superferry canceled its planned 3 p.m. trip to Kaua'i today, saying the U.S. Coast Guard could not guarantee the safe passage of the boat into Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai.

Yesterday, a flotilla of protesters at the mouth of Nawiliwili Harbor prevented the Supeferry from making a scheduled stop and it returned to O'ahu.

The Superferry said in a statement todday: "At 1:00 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard informed Hawaii Superferry that, contrary to previous assurances, it can no longer guarantee a safe passage for the Alakai and its passengers into and out of Nawiliwili Harbor on Kaua'i. Hawaii Superferry will suspend service until the U.S. Coast Guard notifies management it is safe to use the harbor facilities at Nawiliwili."

Gov. Linda Lingle said today she had asked the Superferry not to attempt another trip to Kauai today.

"I'm concerned about the safety of people," Lingle told reporters after speaking this afternoon at a tourism conference at the Hawaii Convention Center. "We have reason to believe they would be in the water again trying to stop a huge vessel on a surfboard, and that's a recipe for a serious problem.

"So we're asking Superferry, don't go in, let's make certain that the public safety is protected."

Superferry officials have scheduled a news conference at 3 p.m. today to discuss the situation in Kauai.

FW: RESISTANCE

From: "Dick Mayer" <dickmayer@earthlink.net>
Reply-To: "Dick Mayer" <dickmayer@earthlink.net>
To: "Dick Mayer" <dickmayer@earthlink.net>
Subject: RESISTANCE
Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:43:31 -1000


RESISTANCE

TOM FINNEGAN / TFINNEGAN@STARBULLETIN.COM
One Kauai surfer who blocked the entrance of the Superferry
voices his displeasure to ship.

_________________________________________________________________
Messenger Café — open for fun 24/7. Hot games, cool activities served daily.
Visit now. http://cafemessenger.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_AugHMtagline

Superferry turned back by Kauai blockade


Posted on: Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Superferry turned back by Kauai blockade

 •  PDF: Read the motion for a temporary restraining order
 •  PDF: See the temporary restraining order
 •  Groups unite against Superferry
 •  Oahu-Kauai service on despite order
StoryChat: Comment on this story

By Jan TenBruggencate and Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writers


Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Superferry headed back to O'ahu without docking at Näwiliwili Harbor yesterday after surfers and swimmers blocked its path.

Photos by JAN TENBRUGGENCATE | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Protesters cheer on surfers and swimmers blocking the Superferry at Näwiliwili Harbor.

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NAWILIWILI, Kaua'i — The Superferry left Kaua'i last night without being able to break through a human blockade that occupied the Nawiliwili Harbor entrance until after 9 p.m. An unknown number of protesters was arrested, and arrests continued as surfers came to shore long after the ferry had left.

The protest on Kaua'i came hours after a Maui judge ordered the Superferry to halt service to the Valley Isle at least until tomorrow, when a court hearing is scheduled. The Superferry said it will abide by the order, which does not ban service to Kaua'i.

The Superferry returned to O'ahu without stopping on Kaua'i last night because "we couldn't get access to the harbor," said Lori Abe, a spokeswoman for the company.

The boat left Honolulu Pier 19 at about 3 p.m. yesterday and, after the failed attempt to land on Kaua'i, was scheduled to return to the same pier at midnight.

On Kaua'i, surfers, many of them young, were plucked from the water by the Coast Guard and turned over to police for arrest. Later, surfers came ashore after being told they were being offered amnesty — that's what the crowd believed, but when they set foot on land, armed officers ran them down and arrested them.

Yesterday's crowd — mostly protesters of the Superferry and some onlookers — exceeded 300 people. At one point, there were 56 surfers, swimmers and kayakers holding station at the harbor entrance, plus several outrigger canoe crews that transited the area during their afternoon practice.

Law enforcement was augmented, too. The Superferry arrived about 5:30 p.m. to find a tugboat at the harbor entrance, along with the Coast Guard cutter Galveston Island, three Coast Guard rigid-hulled inflatables, plus a state conservation enforcement boat. The Coast Guard contingent was reinforced from Honolulu by C-130 aircraft that reportedly brought more inflatable boats and crews.

Boat crews several times used loudspeakers to try to get the swimming and paddling protesters to leave the area, but few did until after dark. At that point, as a few paddled to shore, some were followed by Coast Guard boats, hauled aboard and delivered to waiting police officers to be carried away in a police wagon. Others were confronted and arrested as they climbed out of the water.

PATIENCE, FRUSTRATION

After 9 p.m., some of the onlookers began jumping into the water and removing their shirts, so officers would have more difficulty identifying who had been participating in the blockade.

When surfers and swimmers did get arrested, the crowd cheered and thanked them.

On board the Superferry, some passengers were taking it in stride. Others were frustrated.

Daniel Scott and his wife, Heidi, knew about Sunday's protest. Still, the Kane'ohe couple and their five children, whose ages range from 2 months to 9 years old, proceeded with travel plans yesterday.

The couple, as they boarded the ferry to Kaua'i yesterday, said that the Superferry's ongoing special $5 one-way tickets for passengers and $5 one-way tickets for vehicles presented an affordable chance to take the family to one of their favorite islands.

When asked whether they were prepared to deal with possible delays from protesters, Dylan Scott said, "It's part of the fun."

Heidi Scott added, "We brought a lot of games to play."

Nine-year-old Brittany Scott added, "We brought Cranium, It's a long, long, long, long, long game."

Others weren't so sanguine.

"This is absolutely miserable," said Dylan Mellor, of San Diego, as he waited aboard the Alakai outside Nawiliwili Harbor. "Everyone's trying to make the best of the situation, but you can feel some frustration. There's no food, no alcohol."

Mellor was on his first trip to Kaua'i with his girlfriend, Shalla Gonzales, who grew up on O'ahu's North Shore.

"Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but I don't want to be delayed too long because of it," Mellor said.

Superferry spokeswoman Abe said she couldn't say what the company's plan was for refunds for passengers on the boat last night. "We are going to do the right thing, but right now we are trying to figure out a game plan," Abe said.

On shore, a number of people said the issue for them is the sense that the state and the Superferry have violated the laws.

"I'm here because I love this island with all my heart. I'm tired of this disrespect," said Nancy Locey of Anahola.

"A lot of the kids out there (in the water) are junior high and high school kids, protecting their 'aina. I'm proud of them out there," said Greg Winston of Hanalei.

"The one thing that can bring everyone together — they do love the ocean," said Mickey Sussman of Anahola.

For heavy-equipment operator Kane Pa, the issue is bringing lots of people to Kaua'i and the impact on the island's resources.

"Let's talk about people coming here and raking the 'opihi, raking the mokihana, raking the maile. What about that?" Pa said.

State Rep. Mina Morita walked among the protesters yesterday, expressing concern for the tense situation, as armed police officers, SWAT teams, and officers with police dogs stood watching the crowd. Some of the officers were as frustrated as the protesters.

"I should be home with my family now. These people are keeping me away from my family," one officer said.

'EXERCISE RESTRAINT'

State Sen. Gary Hooser, D-7th (Kaua'i, Ni'ihau) expressed concern over the "imminent escalation."

"I am requesting that all parties, Superferry employees, protesters, police and Coast Guard personnel exercise restraint, keep all actions within the bounds of the law and avoid direct confrontation and unnecessary aggressive actions. In addition, it is imperative that a cooling-off period be put into place immediately while our community works through the important questions that have been raised in the last few days," Hooser said.

He said he asked Gov. Linda Lingle, state transportation director Barry Fukunaga and the state attorney general's office to arrange a halt to Superferry operations until courts can resolve legal issues in the case.

"The situation as it now stands is intolerable and fast approaching a point where serious injuries and further arrests are likely. Precipitous action benefits no one. Confrontations, injuries and arrests do not serve our community's well-deserved reputation for mutual respect and aloha," Hooser said in a release.

With the Superferry's departure shortly after 9 p.m., and several arrests over the next 45 minutes, the situation at Nawiliwili began to cool. By 10 p.m., most of the crowd had left or was leaving the dock area.

Three men arrested during Sunday's protest were released the same night, one on bail and two without bail, police said. According to Kaua'i Police Capt. Scott Yagihara, Justin Wood, 22, of Kapa'a, was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct; Bomun Bockchung, 28, of Kilauea, on suspicion of harassment, disobeying police officers and obstructing government operations; and Randy Wolfshagen, 49, of Kekaha, on suspicion of obstructing government operations and criminal trespass in the second degree.

It was not known last night what charges were being used against the surfers and swimmers arrested at last night's protest.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com and Dan Nakaso at dnakaso@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Monday, August 27, 2007

'Hawaii Superferry Faces Protesters On Kauai - Video - KITV Honolulu'

Dear Friends of holding Superferry accountable with an EIS, especially Kaua'i protesters,

I have found that at least one Honolulu TV station, if not others, are seriously under-reporting the number of protesters at Nawiliwili for Monday's protest, and possibly Sunday's as well.

The Hololulu advertiser states 65 protesters blocked Superferry on Monday in the water, (see below), whereas the KITV news reporter, Daryl Huff in the news segment today quotes only 12 protesters...the news station is under-reporting our efforts.  See the news video attached as proof (quote is 2/3 way through).

Here is the KITV news room phone number.  You may wish to call them and complain in letting them know of your feelings of their dubious under reporting.
KITV Newsroom: (808) 536-9979

Malama Pono,
John
boycottsuperferry.org

From Honolulu advertiser Monday:

Superferry turned back from Kaua'i

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Hawaii Superferry turned back from Kaua'i tonight without docking after protesters blocked its access to the harbor.

About 65 protesters on surfboards, kayaks, canoes or swimming blocked the harbor as the Hawaii Superferry attempted to dock on its second day of service.....


KITV video below:

Subject: From A Friend: 'Hawaii Superferry Faces Protesters On Kauai - Video - KITV Honolulu'

The link:
www.thehawaiichannel.com/video/13989744/index.html?taf=hon

Message from John:  KITV Video saying there were only 12 protesters on Monday evening blocking HSF, when Honolulu Advertiser says there were 65 in the water as kyakers, surfers, and others.


With this in mind, friends, be very wary of what you believe in today's world of "news" coverage....whomever is paying advertising dollars to the corporate media station gets the gravy train of news, and it is likely bent to the advertiser's side.  Sometimes, we can catch the exageration or misinformation.... Call them and tell them you see the truth, and invite them to come clean.  If enough people call, something's going to happen to open this up further.

JT


Hundreds of Kauai protesters block ferry



-- Hundreds of Kauai protesters block ferry
Photo gallery Photo gallery: Superferry Alakai
Video: Superferry takes first cruise
StoryChat: Comment on this story

By Jan TenBruggencate and Rick Daysog
Advertiser Staff Writers


Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Protesters on shore cheered swimmers and surfers who blocked the entrance to Kaua'i's Nawiliwili Harbor yesterday.

JAN TENBRUGGENCATE | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Bonnie Bias protested at the Superferry vehicle entry gate at Kahului Harbor on Maui. She was one of about a dozen protesters.

ANDREW SHIMABUKU | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Passengers aboard the Superferry wave and take pictures of Honolulu Harbor and Aloha Tower as the ferry leaves for Maui. The three-hour ride went relatively smoothly.

Photos by ANDREW SHIMABUKU | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Two Superferry passengers napped during the trip to Maui. Passengers praised the three-hour trip, saying it took less time to board and load a car than waiting for a flight at Honolulu International Airport.

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Hundreds of protesters on surfboards, swimming in the harbor and lining the docks held the Hawaii Superferry at bay for nearly two hours yesterday at Nawiliwili Harbor on Kaua'i, setting the stage for a legal showdown in a Maui courtroom this morning.

The U.S. Coast Guard used force to secure waters around the harbor where swimmers and surfers created a human blockade that had prevented the Superferry's 350-foot-long vessel, the Alakai, from entering the harbor.

The clash came as the beleaguered Hawaii Superferry launched its inaugural service yesterday with $5, one-way fares that attracted more than 2,200 passengers.

Kaua'i swimmers and surfers, cheered on by nearly 300 protesters on shore, occupied the middle of the harbor channel and turned back the Superferry.

At least 34 people swam out into the path of the ferry during the late afternoon. They stayed until three Coast Guard rigid-hulled inflatables, with a Coast Guard cutter standing by, began powering between the swimmers and surfers, appearing to charge at individual swimmers, taking one surfer's board and apparently trying to haul some of the group out of the water.

"They had a hook," said one female surfer. "I splashed them, and they told me that was illegal. They tried to hook me, but I paddled away as fast as I could."

Some of the protesters were arrested, but it was not known how many.

INCREASING TENSIONS

Earlier, the ferry backed out of the harbor about 6 p.m. after a half-hour standoff with 16 swimmers and surfers during which only a single Coast Guard vessel was present. As people on shore cheered and chanted slogans, the ferry remained on station a half-mile outside the harbor.

A second Coast Guard boat left the Coast Guard Station at 6:30 p.m. and a third about 6:45 p.m. During the same period, more and more people from shore began swimming and paddling into the harbor. The boats moved among the surfers, photographing them and telling them to leave.

"They (told us) that we needed to leave," said swimmer James Gerard Trujillo.

"I was saying to them, protect our waters. I told them I had a right to be here," said Pua La'a. She said she had to repeatedly dive to keep from being grabbed by officers.

Surfer Dennis Chun said he tried to tell Coast Guard officers that the group was acting in defense of the Hawai'i Supreme Court, which ruled last week that the Superferry needed an environmental assessment.

About 150 people had been holding signs and participating in a rally during the afternoon, but the crowd grew as the time for the ferry arrival approached. By about 5:30 p.m., with the ferry visible on the horizon outside Nawiliwili Harbor, more than 200 people, many with anti-ferry signs, lined the end of the Nawiliwili Jetty, and nearly 100 more milled up and down the road leading to the jetty. Soon, swimmers and surfers began swimming out to the harbor ship channel.

As the ferry came in, about 16 men and women were in the water, holding position. The ferry stopped in the harbor's outer channel. A Coast Guard boat patrolled, but the swimmers did not leave. About 6 p.m., as its passengers crowded against an upper deck railing to watch, the big ship backed out of the harbor, until it appeared to be about a half-mile outside the entrance.

"Push 'em back, way back," the crowd chanted.

RETREAT, THEN ADVANCE

The ferry stayed offshore for more than an hour, and then came back in once the Coast Guard presence had been fortified. It passed the end of the harbor breakwater at 7 p.m.

"Go home," members of the crowd yelled to the ferry passengers. The ferry moved into the bay with one Coast Guard boat to starboard and two to port. The ship stopped, and the Coast Guard vessels moved into the group of protesters in the water.

The orange Coast Guard boats appeared to be moving randomly among the swimmers and surfers, with an officer standing by a deck gun on one of the boats, and others wielding boat hooks. Some surfers were paddling hard to stay away. Some swimmers dove repeatedly to escape as the Coast Guard boats powered toward them.

About 7:15 p.m., there was enough room, and the Superferry moved forward, swinging around the south side of the protesters, who were kept at bay by the three Coast Guard boats.

"It's not too common for federal forces to go against the citizenry," said psychiatrist Gary Blaich, who was watching the event. "It's been a while."

Many of the people protesting the Superferry's arrival said the company's decision to move up its starting date, and offering $5 fares, got them out.

"We're not all anti-ferry. We're anti the way it's come," Trujillo said.

"The Superferry jumped the gun on service out of sheer desperation. They were facing poor sales and a likely court injunction to cease operation before Tuesday," said Juan Wilson, of Hanapepe.

ANGRY REACTIONS

Kaua'i County Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura said she believes the ferry's decision to operate in spite of the Supreme Court ruling suggests "the owners and investors of the Superferry have chosen to violate both the letter and the spirit of the law."

Many of the people in the protest crowd expressed anger that the Coast Guard was herding swimmers rather than boarding the ferry.

"Arrest the captain, he's right there," one yelled.

"This is going to change the island in ways that are not easy to calculate," said Barbara Robeson.

"If they come, going get chaos. These guys (the Superferry operators) going disrespect the law, and then these guys (the protesters) going disrespect the law," said Kane Turalde.

After the passengers and cars were finally disembarked, the company issued the following statement:

"We are extremely disappointed for the passengers who were booked on the voyage to Kaua'i and those who were scheduled for the return trip to O'ahu. We have received 22,000 people attending our open houses on O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i and the island of Hawai'i and those who booked more than 20,000 voyages on the Alakai. Community members on all islands have been looking forward to the launch ... And, we are sorry to see that minority dissident groups have chosen to oppose a service that the people of Hawai'i have overwhelmingly embraced."

Environmentalists have said they would ask a Maui Circuit judge for an injunction as early as today that would bar the Superferry from using state harbors until such an environmental study is conducted.

Such a study would take months or even years to complete.

"I think it was very cavalier for them to do this," Rob Parsons, conservation chairman for Sierra Club's Maui branch, said earlier yesterday of the moved-up inaugural launch.

STATE SUPPORTS FERRY

The state Department of Transportation, which has exempted the Superferry from conducting an environmental assessment, will likely oppose plans for an injunction at tomorrow's hearing.

"The state supports the Superferry because it is good for the people of Hawai'i," said Deputy Attorney General Bill Wynhoff.

John Garibaldi, Hawaii Superferry's president and chief executive officer, said yesterday morning that the company has conducted extensive environmental studies on its vessel designs. He said Superferry opponents are "using this as an issue to drive their own agendas and not the agendas and wants of the people of Hawai'i."

"Some people want to use this as a stopping mechanism," Garibaldi said.

"This is not a new plane coming in. It's a whole new way to travel ... The people of Hawai'i want an alternative transportation mode."

The reaction on Kaua'i was in stark contrast to the company's maiden voyage to Kahului, Maui, earlier in the day when only about a dozen people protested.

Representatives from the Sierra Club of Maui and Maui Tomorrow Foundation staged a peaceful demonstration along Pu'unene and West Ka'ahumanu avenues but did not confront company officials or passengers.

The three-hour Maui trip went as scheduled and the ride went relatively smoothly. Passengers praised the new service, saying it took less time to board and load a car than to wait for a flight at Honolulu Airport.

"It was easier than flying. There was no security hassles," said Kihei resident Chris Handlir. "And for $5, why not?"

Honolulu resident M.T. Tuaileva said he was saddened by the opposition to the ferry service. He said he believes a majority of residents support the plan.

"Everyone in Hawai'i wanted this to happen except the lawyers and the environmentalists," he said.

"It's really harmful to the economy."

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com and Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com.

StoryChat Post a Comment Post a Comment   View all Comments View All Comments


Go with the flow people....let this state learn by their mistakes..this Ferry may not last long..let it go..go with the flow Laughing Laughing

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 3:42 am


"Hearding" you like seals? Too bad they weren't clubbing you like seals.

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 3:24 am


Let's latch on to a cause and run with it.......... Rolling Eyes

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 3:21 am


i did hear of a surfer or two who were roughed up and run over
by the inflatable. the use of gaffs to herd us out of the channel was nuts but better than the gun. crazy world where the guys(and gals) with guns would support contemptous corporate pirates like the HSF.
we all should pray that we can keep the aloha spirit in our protest. we hope that cooler heads prevail and justice is served. a 5-0 supreme court ruling should mean something. we hope our governor will demonstrate some leadership and execute the orders for a statewide harbor EA for the hsf project. MAHALO TO EVERYONE WHO SHOWED UP . we all agreed to come back tomorrow with more friends if the the hsf sails again with out the EA ruling clarified. we can avoid another episode of this simply by having the governor interceed with prudent wisdom and out
of respect for those who have requested to be heard on this issue. She can issue a ruling that postpones the hsf operations until the ea/eis process is finalized. if she does, kalapaki can return to the quiet beach park next to the harbor that we all know and love. we should pray she does. there were alot of upset and inconvenienced people out the today. the intensity almost overwhelming. hundreds of people screaming, chanting, encouraging each other on. and requesting that the big boat go back. if the coast guard and the hsf staff had decided that the best plan would be for the hsf to not dock and return to oahu, we'd be singing a whole different tune. but instead the boats with guns and the double hulled behemoth barged their way in ,running roughshod over the surfers, hearding us like seals. unreal! hope we don't have to do it again. what a sunset. mahalo again ron all you do. lucky we live kaua'i.


John Tyler
toll free 866-530-4117
See
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Sunday, August 26, 2007

Sunday Protest at Nawiliwili Harbor--be there!


Superferry protesters to rally in port

spacer

A mob of protesters plan to snarl traffic, clog Nawiliwili harbor and otherwise offer a less than welcome greeting to Hawai'i Superferry operators and passengers scheduled to arrive from O'ahu at 6 p.m. today, Hui-R supporters said yesterday.

Sailing in the face of a Hawai'i Supreme Court ruling Thursday, the controversial inter-island vessel bumped its launch date up two days and dropped fare prices to $5 one-way through Sept. 5.


"It shows the true colors of this operation... the best interests of Hawai'i are not what they have in mind," Hui-R spokesman Jimmy Trujillo said.

The court decision backed the cries of concerned environmental advocates, Kaua'i state legislators and county council members who have repeatedly called for an environmental impact statement prior to the start of service.

The ruling says the state Department of Transportation wrongfully exempted Hawai'i Superferry from a study on its potential to cause traffic jams, kill humpback whales, spread invasive species or increase homeless and drug problems on neighbor islands.

Department of Transportation Director Barry Fukunaga has said the Hawai'i Superferry will be allowed to commence operations "until and unless" the court specifically says otherwise.

"I'm appalled at the arrogance of Hawai'i Superferry and the Department of Transportation," said state Sen. Gary Hooser, D-Kaua'i. "I'm disappointed that Gov. (Linda) Lingle and the Department of Transportation rather than recognize and acknowledge that they made a mistake and seek a collaborative way to resolve the issue — rather than taking a leadership role — chose again to ignore it and continue to ram the process through, which is what caused the problem in the first place."

The law states the necessity of an environmental impact statement was triggered when the Superferry requested $40 million in public funds for harbor improvements that have a potential to change "business as usual," Hooser said.

Hawai'i Superferry and the Department of Transportation rejected a Senate-sponsored compromise bill, he added, where the state would have paid for the environmental impact statement.

"It didn't have to be this way," Hooser said. "It shows a real lack of respect of the department and Hawai'i Superferry to try to accelerate the calendar rather than talk to the court Monday. If they played by the rules two years ago, we wouldn't be here today."

Superferry officials have said the legal issue had no role in the decision to start service sooner, despite environmental groups' intent to file for an injunction Monday in Maui Circuit Court to stop the 350-foot Alakai catamaran from operating between O'ahu, Kaua'i and Maui.

Superferry operators continue to point to the company's independent studies and precautions put in place to protect the environment — such as hiring lookouts to watch for whales, slowing down and altering routes during peak whale season, providing boot scrubbers at ports and metering vehicles into the local traffic flow.

Kaua'i resident Les Gale said he hopes to join local residents who plan to meet at 3 p.m. today at Kalapaki Park to protest the Alakai when it arrives in Nawiliwili Harbor.

"What amazes me is they're just kind of flaunting what the Supreme Court said," Gale said. "I know there's a lot of money, power and politics behind the Superferry, but I think the people are getting fed up."

Hui-R, a coalition of community members united against the Superferry, sponsored a meeting Aug. 18 to organize plans for the protest and calls for civil disobedience, including traffic impediments and blocking the harbor with surfers, boaters and kayakers.

Hooser said he applauds the community's engagement in the issue.

"If it weren't for their involvement, there would perhaps be no Supreme Court decision," he said.

A second inter-island vessel is being built in Alabama to serve the Big Island starting in 2009. Together, the two ships cost $190 million.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

FW: Star-Bulletin Editorial - READ THIS

From: "Dick Mayer" <dickmayer@earthlink.net>
Reply-To: "Dick Mayer" <dickmayer@earthlink.net>
To: "Dick Mayer" <dickmayer@earthlink.net>
Subject: Star-Bulletin Editorial - READ THIS
Date: Sat, 25 Aug 2007 07:59:23 -1000


Saturday, August 25, 2007

OUR OPINION


State's bad decision steered Superferry into rough seas
THE ISSUE
The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled that the state erred in exempting
the ferry from environmental review.

THE Hawaii Superferry, which residents, the tourist industry and local
businesses had greeted enthusiastically when proposed in 2003, could have
glided smoothly from concept to boarding.
However, when the state exempted the operation from required environmental
review, it set the Superferry on a course that could eventually run it
aground.

It did not have to be this way.

The Hawaii Supreme Court, in a terse, swift ruling Thursday, unanimously
agreed with three citizen and environmental groups that the Department of
Transportation erred when it released the ferry company from the review,
ordering a judgment in their favor.

The ruling could have delayed the ferry's start-up set for Tuesday, but
Superferry officials brazenly moved up its initial launch to tomorrow. The
act, which was encouraged by the state's decision to allow the ferry to
operate despite the ruling, turned up the heat in an already simmering
conflict. Earlier Thursday, a circuit judge in another suit had ordered the
state to prepare Maui streets for the traffic the ferry was expected to
generate.

When plaintiffs' attorneys seek an injunction come Monday to stop what they
believe is an illegal operation, the ferry might find itself dockside,
further entangled in legal ropes.

The situation is the result of a bad decision by the state. In its zeal,
which was not misplaced, to help an enterprise that could prove beneficial
to a spectrum of economic interests as well as to people wanting an
alternative to air travel, officials short-cut laws designed to protect and
sustain Hawaii's environmental health.

With a majority of the public favoring the ferry, officials could have
steered through the review process, mitigating concerns about the
inadvertent spread of non-native and invasive plants and animals, traffic
problems at ports and adjacent roadways, illegal drugs and other contraband,
and endangering whales and marine animals.

Instead, they chose what they thought would be an easier route and, in the
process, shut out the public's voice, even arguing unsuccessfully in court
that citizens had no standing to challenge their decisions.

Earlier this year, when Maui, Kauai and Hawaii County Councils, responding
to their constituents, declared their wish for an environmental review,
state lawmakers introduced legislation to that end. But in an act of power
politics, Maui Rep. Joe Souki, chairman of the Transportation Committee,
refused to consider the bill.

Souki and other state officials asserted it was unfair to subject the ferry
to a process that had not been applied to other harbor users. That argument
belies the fact that the ferry would be a unique service that in a single
week could transport thousands of private vehicles, agricultural products
and cargo as well as people with minimal inspection, security and
documentation.

The bill was a good compromise that would have allowed the ferry operation
to proceed on schedule while an environmental assessment, at state expense,
was conducted, and could have intercepted the legal challenges.

Should an injunction halt the ferry, it would not be surprising if the
company sues the state for its losses, adding to legal costs, the animosity
engendered in the community and the time loss already incurred in this
fiasco.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_________________________________________________________________
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Friday, August 24, 2007

HSF will start EARLY and CHEAP

HSF will start
-- Sailing on SUNDAY
-- Charging only $5 per passenger,
on all trips from August 26 to Sept 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Friday, August 24, 2007 2:26 PM HST
Superferry plans a Sunday launch
A $5 one-way fare is being offered for the inaugural service
Associated Press Star-Bulletin Staff | citydesk@starbulletin.com

The operators of the Hawaii Superferry say they will start service Sunday,
two days earlier than planned, despite a state Supreme Court ruling
yesterday that they must do an environmental assessment.
John Garibaldi, president and CEO of the Superferry, announced this
afternoon that they are offering inaugural service from Sunday thru Sept. 5
for $5 a passenger one-way, and $5 a vehicle, from Oahu to Maui and Oahu to
Kauai.

Yesterday, the five-member Supreme Court unanimously ruled the Superferry
should have been required to do an environmental assessment before starting
service.

Superferry opponents say they will file for an injunction Monday. They
contend the assessment must be completed before the Superferry can operate.

Earlier today. the state Department of Transportation Director Barry
Fukunaga said an environmental assessment will be conducted as ordered by
the state Supreme Court, but the Superferry will be allowed to use Kahului
Harbor on Maui.

"We have no intention to denying them access at this point, because the
court did not specifically specify that they could not commence operations,"
he said. "Until that is identified, we certainly wouldn't be doing any
action against them."

Fukunaga said the assessment will determine if a more comprehensive
environmental impact statement is needed. "It's purely speculation at this
point to determine if an EIS is warranted," he said.

The Superferry had been scheduled to begin daily interisland service from
Oahu to Maui and Kauai on Tuesday.

State law prohibits the ferry from entering into service at island harbors
during a formal environmental study of its potential to create traffic jams,
collide with humpback whales or spread invasive species, said Isaac Hall, an
attorney for the groups that sued the Superferry - the Sierra Club, Maui
Tomorrow and the Kahului Harbor Coalition.

Environmentalists have threatened to go back to court to file for a
preliminary injuction that would stop the Superferry from starting service
until after the environmental assessment is done.

Fukunaga said the state believes it is interpreting and following the law
correctly.

Garibaldi would not speculate on any potential court action and said he was
confident that the ferry will be able to provide service.

Meanwhile, passengers who already booked voyages at a previous higher fare
will be refunded and offered the inaugural rate. Regular fares after that
will be more than $60 with taxes and fees.

Trips can be booked at 877-443-3779 or online at HawaiiSuperferry.com.

The flashy blue and white catamaran, painted with a giant manta ray logo,
has already been tested at sea and toured by more than 16,000 people. A
second ferry being built in Mobile, Ala., is scheduled to serve the Big
Island starting in 2009.

The first 340-foot-long ferry can carry up to 866 passengers and more than
100 vehicles. Together, the two ferries cost $190 million.

Fukunaga praised Superferry officials for conducting their own voluntary
review and said they have taken precautions to protect the environment.

The ferry planned to hire lookouts to watch for whales, alter its routes and
slow down during peak whale season. Its employees would inspect vehicles for
invasive species and prohibit mud-caked cars from making the voyage.

_________________________________________________________________
More photos, more messages, more storage—get 2GB with Windows Live Hotmail.

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FW: Please vote

From: "Dick Mayer" <dickmayer@earthlink.net>
Reply-To: "Dick Mayer" <dickmayer@earthlink.net>
To: "Dick Mayer" <dickmayer@earthlink.net>
Subject: Please vote
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:28:48 -1000

Please vote "NO"
in the following Honolulu Star-Bulletin poll which asks
"Do you plan to ride the Hawaii Superferry this year? "

http://starbulletin.com/poll/index.php


Please also forward to your friends.

_________________________________________________________________
Learn.Laugh.Share. Reallivemoms is right place!

http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Superferry ordered to do environmental assessment

Incredible News Everyone!!!!!! Yay!!!

Superferry ordered to do environmental assessment
By KEN KOBAYASHI
Advertiser Courts Writer

The Hawai'i Supreme Court this afternoon ruled that the state should have conducted an environmental study on its improvements to island harbors for the Hawaii Superferry operation scheduled to start next week.

The decision is a major legal setback for the Superferry, but Superferry lawyers were not immediately available for comment as to whether the operations will start as scheduled on Tuesday.

In a unanimous decision, the five justices held that the state Department of Transportation erred when it exempted from an environmental review the improvements at Kahului Harbor for the ferry. The state spent $40 million for improvements that would allow the Superferry to load and unload vehicles at Kahului and other island harbors.

The justices heard arguments in the morning on an appeal by three environmental groups of Maui Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza's 2005 ruling throwing out their lawsuit.

The Sierra Club, Maui Tomorrow Inc. and the Kahului Harbor Coalition contended the state should have required the study for the improvements.

The court said the Maui decision was "erroneous as a matter of law." The high court instructed the Maui court to issue a ruling requiring the environmental study.

In the two-page order, the high court said it will later issue an opinion on its decision.

Hawaii Superferry tests passenger cruise

Hawaii Superferry tests passenger cruise
Photo galleryPhoto gallery: A ride aboard the Superferry
Video: Rocky ride on Superferry
StoryChat: Comment on this story

By Dan Nakaso and Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writers


Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Cars are loaded onto the Superferry for the demonstration cruise. Friends and family of employees brought along about 80 vehicles yesterday.

ANDREW SHIMABUKU | The Honolulu Advertiser

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SUPERFERRY FACTS

  • The Superferry's first boat, Alakai, is 350 feet long and 78 feet wide and can accommodate 866 passengers and 282 cars.
  • The state spent $40 million on harbor improvements to prepare for the Superferry.
  • spacer spacer

    TIPS TO PREVENT SEASICKNESS

    The Hawaii Superferry folks and others offer some advice for preventing seasickness:

  • Eat a light meal before traveling; starting with something in your stomach often helps.
  • Chew on ginger candy or spearmint gum to ease the upset.
  • Take over-the-counter medicines or use other preventive measures before sailing to ward off the queasiness.
  • Look at the horizon; focus on a distant point.
  • Avoid reading while the ship is in motion.
  • Sip or have access to liquids; club soda helps to settle a queasy stomach.
  • Superferry sells motion-sickness medicines in the onboard gift shop as do drugstores.
  • Motion-sickness bags also are available on board.
  • spacer spacer

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    ABOARD THE HAWAII SUPERFERRY — The Hawaii Superferry took to sea yesterday on a trial run off the coast of O'ahu that showed both its potential and its problems — mainly seasick passengers in otherwise calm seas.

    Yesterday's two-hour cruise stayed well within the protection of the lee of O'ahu, sailing from Pier 19 to Diamond Head and nearly up to Ka'ena Point. It was an hour short of the scheduled trips to Maui and Kaua'i that will take the Superferry into rougher, open waters.

    "That was spooky and it wasn't even a rough sea day," said Nani Kaui of Makiki. "If it had been rough, I wouldn't be able to handle that."

    Sara Aderholdt, who is visiting from Florida, wasn't bothered by the motion. Aderholdt has been aboard ferries in other states, including some on the Hudson River, and thought the Superferry fared well in comparison. "It seems a little bit smoother and faster," she said.

    Terry O'Halloran, director of business development for the Superferry, said he heard some passengers got seasick on yesterday's voyage. He advised travelers who are susceptible to motion sickness to take preventive medicines.

    "Whenever people get out on boats and ships, each person's different," O'Halloran said. "Today there are so many good remedies available that really no one should be getting motion sickness if they take proper precautions. Make sure it's in your system and you'll have a great trip. We really want people to enjoy the ride."

    About 250 friends and family of Superferry employees took the voyage and brought an estimated 80 trucks, cars and a motorcycle — and even a dog — onboard. About 100 journalists, including 70 from Japan, went along for the ride.

    Yesterday's trip was in anticipation of Tuesday's scheduled first day of Superferry service and followed a smaller trip of about 180 people and 60 vehicles earlier in the day.

    TURNING GREEN

    Nani Kaawa, who also got a touch of seasickness, said a woman standing in front of her for yesterday's free food had it even worse.

    The woman said she was getting sick and seemed to turn green, Kaawa said, then unsteadily walked away from the counter with her arms loaded down with food.

    O'Halloran called yesterday's ocean conditions "a typical trade wind day."

    "Some days will be smoother than others," he said. "Every day on the water will be a little bit different."

    The company wants everyone to enjoy their rides on the Superferry, O'Halloran said, so it recommends that people who think they might be susceptible take motion sickness remedies the night before a trip and then again in the morning.

    Daniel Louis of Makakilo took the trip yesterday because his mother works for the Superferry. He gave the test voyage a thumbs up.

    "I hate flying," he said.

    Louis already booked a trip next month to Maui. He plans to save money by staying with relatives for two weeks and using his own car instead of a rental.

    Julie Derango, of Hawaiian Chopper magazine, was impressed by the option of taking along gear for a trip — and even pets.

    And the bumpiness of yesterday's ride that made others sick didn't faze Derango.

    "I've been on cruises and boats before," she said. "It wasn't that bad."

    O'Halloran read off some of the remarks that guests had written on comment cards, such as, "trip was marvelous," "absolutely beautiful ship" and even "you need double X-large sweatshirts in the ship's gift shop."

    "I guess we need bigger sweatshirts," O'Halloran said.

    "Overall, they were overwhelmingly positive," he said. "I got a lot of compliments for our comfortable seating and oohs and aahs because of the views that people got from the ship. 'What a great view of the island.' I got that a lot today."

    One passenger especially loved being able to ride his motorcycle onto the Superferry and tie it down in the vehicle hold, O'Halloran said.

    Several passengers said they hope to use the Superferry some day to also tow along trailers and boats and load up their cars full of things like camping gear, hunting rifles and lots and lots of O'ahu omiyage.

    ROLLING CARS

    Yesterday, down in the first-level vehicle hold, cars that did not have their emergency brakes applied rolled back and forth within inches of each other and car alarms sounded intermittently as they were jostled by the motion.

    The trunk of a gray Nissan sedan suddenly popped open and a golden retriever inside a Jeep lolled its head back and forth, its tongue hanging out.

    Kaawa's 2002 Ford F-150 was the first of the 80 vehicles to drive aboard the Superferry yesterday. After the two-hour cruise, Kaawa was even more anxious to get her truck off the ship.

    "Look at all this salt," she said as Superferry workers connected a car ramp to the back end of the ship. "I'm going straight to a car wash."

    Kaawa said that if she does book a real trip on the Superferry she would definitely bring her well-worn Chevrolet Lumina instead.

    "Could you imagine how much salt it would get on an actual trip to a Neighbor Island?" she asked.

    Richard Lau, 62, just retired as human resources director for Kamehameha Schools and likes the idea of being able to bring his 25-foot Pro Line fishing boat, trailer, kayak and 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee onboard some day to go fishing and camping on a different island.

    But as he prepared to board the ship yesterday, Lau said he still had not gotten a response to an e-mail he sent to the Hawaii Superferry asking for the price for him and all of his gear.

    "I don't know," Lau said. "I'm still waiting for an answer."

    Billie White of Wahiawa joked that — unlike airport security — she didn't have to remove her slippers to go through three separate security checks to get her car onboard the Superferry.

    But White doubted that she would ever pay for a Superferry ride.

    With one-way adult prices running from $44 to $62 — plus additional fuel surcharges of $10 to $19 for each adult — White cannot afford to take her family on a Superferry trip.

    "Not at those prices," she said.

    Reach Dan Nakaso at dnakaso@honoluluadvertiser.com and Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.

    • • •