Study: Ferry not feasible

[TexasTowelie]

Despite a lot of public interest, Hawaii shouldn’t go full speed ahead into a new ferry service, a feasibility study concludes.

Perhaps to no surprise, the report — mandated by the Legislature and published on the state Department of Transportation’s website Monday — says an interisland or intraisland ferry system won’t work without a state subsidy.

But it also cites costs of upgrading piers and ridership projections as reasons for concluding that a state-operated system isn’t “feasible.” The ridership projections didn’t include tourists and conclusions appear to have been based on the most conservative models.

“From a technical standpoint, the lack of available pier space and the significant costs required for constructing new pier facilities to accommodate a ferry system are the primary barrier to feasibility,” says the report produced by consultant SMS Hawaii and the DOT. “From a commercial perspective, the expectations of Hawaii’s residents and the reality of a ferry system are incompatible.”

Read more: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/local-news/study-ferry-not-feasible

[PJMcK]

1. Interesting article

Thanks for posting the link, TexasTowlie.

Two things that aren't mentioned in the report. First, the Hawaiian Islands are actually quite far apart. It can be an hour or more by jet to fly between the islands. A boat ride, even a fast one, would take a few hours.

Second, the ocean waters surrounding the islands can be pretty rough. That's why surfers love the area: there are lots of waves. This could make the boat rides pretty uncomfortable.

When I lived on New York's Long Island, the city of Glen Cove tried to implement a commuter ferry for the one-hour ride to the city. It was just too expensive and the schedule couldn't compete with the railroad. I rode the ferry a couple of times and it was a lovely ride but it failed as a business.

[TexasTowelie]

2. You're welcome.

I think that some people believe that the islands are in a relatively compact area because all of the islands fit into a small map. Needless to say, not considering the choppy seas is a mistake. Personally, I would get sick every time I got on the ferry.