We feared the Superferry would bring people to strip Maui of its fish and plants but it was a big surprise when the first day brought drivers of three pickup trucks who stole rocks! I mean, we know 'Oahu has depleted their natural resources...but to have run out of rocks!
Now, we have the first 3 car pile up in Kihei courtesy of Chinese tourists who brought a rented Durango over on the Superferry. Apparently confused as to the difference between forward and backward, they launched their vehicle through a hedge, landing on top of 2 cars at Kihei Kai Nani condos.
When Superferry execs told us that doing an EIS during operation would give us a more realistic idea of the problems it would bring, who knew?
But seriously, this brings up a problem that the twice daily Superferry trips will cause.
Now tourists will spend their money on 'Oahu and make day trips to Maui. They'll clog our already overcrowded roads, crowd our beach parks but they won't be spending much money here. They'll rent their cars and hotel rooms on 'Oahu. So we'll get their problems without their revenue. Not a very good deal for Maui.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
More Unforseen Superferry Trouble
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Maui Surfride Foundation Received this email:
There are so many unanswered questions regarding the Hawaii superferry. How can so many presumably intelligent people not see the difference between the
Why did the people who initiated the superferry operation choose a vessel 107 meters, 350 feet in length with a capacity of 282 cars and 866 passengers when the former CEO of Austal, Mr.Alan Lerchbackeer recommended a 73 meter craft with less capacity, less expensive, cheaper to operate, and less polluting? He also had concerns about the financial viability, stating that with the current vessel, they will need 400 to 500 passengers per trip to break even. Superferry now estimates they will have average loads of 400 passengers and half the vehicles it is capable or carrying.. Why did they design the ferry with roll on/roll off decks so high off the water requiring $40M. in dock modifications? Why the fuel capacity of 56,800 gallons just to do inter-island travel?
Is this an intentional design for bankruptcy? Will Lehman and Krekel then purchase the vessels for pennies on the dollar for their intended use? Will the high drive on decks match the launch platform of the Sea Launch facility on the equator? Will the 56,800 gallon fuel capacity make the trip to the equator much faster and cheaper than their 660 foot Assembly & Command Ship?
Many people are questioning the financial viability of the superferry operation. Will it end up in bankruptcy with the taxpayers holding the bag for nearly $200M. Do you think these people are the least bit interested in the culture or environment of Kauai?
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