Special offer

One Year NO SUPERFERRY Celebration

By
Real Estate Agent with KW Kauai

The Surfrider Fondation released this to the press yesterday to keep their spirit of resistance alive. From my point of view the Superferry has benefits and significant risks. We have not heard much about the Environmental Impact Study that the Supreme Court mandated before the SuperFerry resumes service. The SuperFerry is operating successfully between Oahu and Maui and with rising airfares, business is growing and more people are traveling on the ferry. On Kauai, the groups opposed to the Superferry remain more vocal in the community and continue to champion their cause.

The press release info is listed below:

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF NO KAUA'I SUPERFERRY!

WHO: Surfrider Foundation, a national and international coastal environmental group,

WHAT: an informal family picnic get-together at Nawiliwili Park and Kalapaki Beach. Pot luck, bring your music instruments. Bring your surfboards and canoes for a symbolic paddle out at Kalapaki Beach to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Superferry's entrance to Nawiliwili. We will paddle just past the surf zone, but will not enter the harbor. All laws will be observed.

WHERE: Nawiliwili Park. Paddle-Out at Kalapaki Beach.

WHEN: This Sunday August 24. Informal get together starts at 1 PM. Paddle-out starts at 2 PM. Noon - 6 PM is an informal pot-luck gathering of residents.

WHY: One year ago, a thousand people met at the park to give a strong message that our island does not want the superferry. We will be having family picnics at the park to renew our energy and strength and prepare for any future attempts by the superferry to return.

CONTACT: Gordon LaBedz, Surfrider Foundation, Kaua'i chair 808-337-9977

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

There was an update on the KGMB 9 news last night.  Superferry Gets Good Grades; Some Problem Areas

I too agree that there are pros/cons and if they bring their grades up this is definitely a wonderful alternative for transportation between the islands.

Aug 21, 2008 07:12 AM
Pete Jalbert
The Maui Real Estate Team, Inc. - Paia, HI
R(S)

It will be interesting to see what happens when winter swell season returns. That caused a lot of problems for the service especially with their docking area in Kahului. I also wonder how they are doing financially even with the steady increase in use.

I was against the ferry prior to its implementation. The impacts haven't been as bad as I had anticipated thus far. That being said, I am still a bit skeptical about its long term financial viability.

Aug 21, 2008 07:47 PM
Ronnie Margolis
KW Kauai - Kapaa, HI
Kauai Realtor - CDPE, ABR, RA - On Top of the Aloh

You are right about the swells. Lots of people filled up barf bags as I recall. However, with the airfare prices so high, it may be more viable to have the ferry. I think for the island's economy and agriculture it may become vital even.

Aug 22, 2008 06:16 AM
Steven Nickens
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers - Wailea, HI
R(S)GRI ABR, Maui Real Estate Hawaii

Okay I am going to way in for the Super Ferry. I am a surfer on Maui and love the ocean and the whales. I just rode the super ferry from Oahu to Maui with a car I bought. Number one we are screwed with the airlines. Try take a surfboard on a plane it will cost a fortune. Number two as we were cruising I was thinking that this boat and the vibration that it makes would announce to any whale of a approaching object of size. If they run over a whale then I need to rethink my position which I don't think it will happen. I have rode ferry's in Washington state and they provide a vital service to the community. Pete is right with hugh ocean swells docking and people hurling on the boat from sea sickness will be a problem. I think it comes down to resources like oil. Its okay to drill but not in my backyard. Time will tell.

Steve

Aug 25, 2008 05:49 AM
Anonymous
Ron Margolis

There are definitely pros and cons and perhaps the pros outweigh the cons given the current price of airfare. Not sure what the best solution regarding whales and the environment is but the folks that care about that sure do have major league concerns.

Aug 25, 2008 06:01 AM
#5