Is An Inter-Island Ferry In Hawaii’s Future?

A bill now in Hawaii’s legislature, HB 1239, would establish the Hawaii state ferry system. If enacted it would go into effective July 1, 2011 and create a special fund for the operation of a system to ferry people and cargo between the islands.

The bill further seeks support from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Maritime Administration for federal funding help as well as the “possible purchase or lease of the former high speed ferry vessel which operated in waters of the state.”

Could the original Superferry return?

Wording in the bill specifically invites the state’s consideration of purchase of the prior Hawaii Superferry catamarans.

Ongoing issues regarding those ships may however derail that aspect of the plan. As you’ll recall, rough Hawaiian ocean conditions in winter resulted in significant Superferry service cancellations. Furthermore, the 866 passenger, 282 car Superferry was fuel inefficient and required use of expensive barges and tug boat assistance. Those improvements cost the State $40 million.

What became of the Superferries?

Of the two Superferries built, only one entered service. The operation began in 2007 and ceased in March 2009 due to a final legal blow from the Hawaii Supreme Court. Thereafter, Superferry filed for bankruptcy and the ships were returned to lenders.The two Hawaii Superferry catamarans, named Huakai and the Alakai, cost approximately $90 million each to build but were sold last fall at an action for $25 million each. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration purchased both ships. They remain berthed in Norfolk, Virginia.

This bill remains controversial in large part to the state’s economy. With inter-island airfares at an all-time high, however, it may still have a chance.  We’ll follow with any updates.

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