Hawaii's first-ever inter-island passenger ferry service set off this
weekend amidst protests that it could harm marine life, spread invasive
species, and worsen pollution. The docking of the ferry's second voyage
was delayed by a dozen steamed surfers, while hundreds more protesters
stood on the island seawall shouting and carrying signs. (Perhaps most
eloquent: "Stupid ferry, stupid riders.") Hawaii's Supreme Court had
ruled Thursday that the state should have required an environmental
review before letting the Hawaii Superferry go forward; in response,
the ferry service moved its maiden voyage up by two days and offered $5
one-way tickets from Oahu to Maui and Kauai. (After Sept. 4, the price
will jump to more than $240 round trip for one passenger and one car.)
Three green groups have sued. On Monday, a state judge agreed to
temporarily block the ferry from using Maui's Kahului Harbor. A hearing
tomorrow will determine whether the ferry will be halted for good until
environmental impact studies can be conducted. Ferry ports on the
islands of Oahu and Kauai are unaffected by Monday's ruling.
straight to the source:
Honolulu Star Bulletin, Gary T. Kubota and Leila Fujimori, 28 Aug 2007
Hawaii's First-Ever Inter-Island Ferry Service Comes Under Protest
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Ferry Ferry, Quite Contrary
Grist Magazine, Aug 28, 2007
Straight to the Source