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-   -   Superferry (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/superferry-579414/)

hulajake Aug 22nd, 2007 01:15 PM

Unless something has changed Bob you can't take your rental car on the ferry.

bobludlow Aug 22nd, 2007 03:04 PM

Thanks for the heads up. It looks like the superferry requires proof of ownership (sensible decision on their part) OR a special form from the owner giving permission. I can understand why a rental company with fixed assets in various islands might want to prevent people from using the ferry. But if they all prevent it, then it creates a powerful incentive for one company (a start-up, even) to buck the trend and allow cross-island rentals. So it might not be allowed at the outset (I'll be sure to check on that before finalizing my October plans) but I expect it to be easy as pie within a year or two. It just makes too much sense from a customer satisfaction and market share gain perspective.

MelissaHI Aug 22nd, 2007 05:42 PM

You need to understand, it's not just a rental car issue. The harbors are treated like airports here, maybe even more so because there's only one port per island (except the Big Island). 98% of all goods that come into the state, come in through Honolulu Harbor, so they have to take a lot of precautions.

travelinandgolfin Aug 22nd, 2007 05:52 PM

Personally, it just doesn't make sense to use it unless you're going on a very long trip where the cost of a rental car offsets the cost of the ferry (because it ain't that cheap).

Also, you're going to be spending 3 hours on it each way if I'm not mistaken. That's time I could be spending at the destination itself.

chepar Aug 22nd, 2007 06:04 PM

Isn't there a lack of choice re departure time also - say, if you want to travel from Oahu to Maui, there's only one departure per day?

As it stands now, the ferry does not work for me in either price or convenience.

Maybe I'll consider it later if they change the pricing structure.

MelissaHI Aug 22nd, 2007 11:14 PM

I talked to my boss about the advertiser article and he thought the fuss over seasickness was exaggerated. He rode the ferry with me and he thought it was fine once we were at 40 knots....I think he thinks people were being babies about the waves! I'm just sharing and paraphrasing.

There is another ferry starting up soon, shuttling people from Waianae to downtown for work and back. Those boats are smaller!

dncee11 Aug 23rd, 2007 01:05 PM

I believe I read that you have to add a 30% fuel surcharge to whatever fare is quoted. It really puts the price up there.

kauai_aka Aug 24th, 2007 10:24 AM

stuperferry is delayed. imagine that...


http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2...breaking01.txt

hawaiiantraveler Aug 24th, 2007 10:40 AM

This is how rumors get started. They are still scheduled to open on time. You got to read all the news

kauai_aka Aug 24th, 2007 11:35 AM

how's this? from a very reliable source, i’m almost certain it is delayed. but don’t tell anyone…

Leburta Aug 25th, 2007 12:40 PM

Big News yesterday: $5 one way fares until September 5. The courts have said that an EIS is required, which may delay regular scheduled service that was to have started next week. But the Super Ferry people are pre-empting the courts by starting service early on Sunday. The courts may actually put a stop to this on Monday, but in the meantime its "bargain time" for everyone who can go right away. I'm sure they'll honor the $5 fare if booked now. Might the courts be so ticked off at the blatant move to circumvent them that they fine the Super Ferry people enough to shut them down for good?

Rusty Aug 25th, 2007 03:36 PM

Leburta, Fine them for doing what ?

matnikstym Aug 25th, 2007 05:10 PM

the Department of Transportation gave them approval to start service Sunday. They'll battle it out in court Monday.

Leburta Aug 25th, 2007 05:43 PM

Rusty: Who knows?

I don't know enough about the permitting process that went on, but the State was so anxious to get a company to use their own money to try to start up any kind of ferry service again that they waived the EIS for the Maui stop. Now the courts are saying that an EIS is required after all.

The poor guys who have spent millions to bring in the Super Ferry say that they did everything that was asked of them. No wonder they've come up with a novel way to start up service anyway, assuming that no court will meet to stop them over the weekend.

hawaiiantraveler Aug 25th, 2007 05:47 PM

those poor guys who paid for the superferry are you and me John Q Taxpayer

pspercy Aug 25th, 2007 08:36 PM

Mikeswife

The flight might be half an hour, but add in the lines for ag check, security check etc and you might not be saving as much time as you think.

If I think of the ferry, I think of Kauai and the little two lane streets around Nawiliwili(sp) and the instant traffic jam when it unloads:)

Rusty Aug 26th, 2007 04:15 AM

A lot of people were opposed to the superferry - until $5 rates were offered. The maiden voyage is sold out and most of the other trips during the $5 promotional period ending Sept 5th.

Mikeswife Aug 27th, 2007 01:02 PM

pspercy - I wouldnt waste my time, personally. Kaua'i has all I'll ever need. And you are right, traffic is bad enough all ready!

I read about the protesters this morning. I'm so proud of the people of Kauai for standing up to the Superferry.

hawaiiantraveler Aug 27th, 2007 02:12 PM

I'm not proud of them....kinda embarrassed personally

MelissaHI Aug 27th, 2007 04:36 PM

I have to agree with HT. I went to www.honoluluadvertiser.com to read the argument comments posted on the story. It's really ridiculous!


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