As if the Hawaii Superferry didn't have enough problems with environmental permits pending, rough cross-channel rides, high fares and stiff fuel surcharges. Now the surfers are going after the big boat. Hundreds of them paddled into Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai and blocked the Superferry, preventing the boat from docking and causing a two-hour delay. It was, needless to say, quite a statement. The future of the big boat appears somewhat shaky these days, as the state courts could shut it down after a (far too late) Environmental Impact Statement. Personally, I think the protesters are all wet. This boat has very little impact compared to the monster cruise ships that land at all the same ports. The traffic concerns are a bigger issue for me, but in Kauai its hard to see this being a real problem as the offload point is not a traditional traffic bottleneck. I am looking forward to putting my family on the boat for an interisland hop -- but I'll hold out for cheaper fares (since the $5 version sold out to dang fast).

Image via Honolulu Star-Bulletin

—Alex, 08/27/07