HAWAI`I SUPERFERRY PUTS KAUA`I ROUTE ON HOLD
HONOLULU (AP) — The operator of Hawai`i's new interisland ferry, which got the green light to resume trips despite environmental protests, said Friday it is further delaying service on one route.
It won't immediately resume service between Honolulu and Kaua`i but will instead start a second voyage between Honolulu and Maui starting Jan. 16, said Hawai`i Superferry president and CEO John Garibaldi.
The company is imposing the delay "in order to allow more time in which to work with the community on Kaua`i 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," he said.
The Honolulu-Kaua`i run of the Superferry was halted soon after it began in August because of demonstrations.
Ferry opponents complain the 350-foot catamaran, which carries more than 800 passengers and 200 vehicles, will disturb whales and harm the islands' fragile ecosystem.
The Maui run was quickly shut down because of legal problems, including traffic restrictions, but resumed in December after the Legislature met to resolve the issue.
