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Superferry Gets Good Grades; Some Problem Areas
Written by Tina Chau - tchau
kgmb9.com">tchaukgmb9.com
August 20, 2008 10:55 PM
After a stormy start, the Superferry gets good grades on its first state environmental report card. The report is an effort by the state and the company to stop the spread of invasive species.
In 38 categories, the ferry followed all the rules, but three categories needed work.
The study found 23 percent of vehicles were not inspected for banned agricultural items. Even more wheels wells were not consistently inspected. The report also found 17 percent of passengers traveling without vehicles were not asked if they were carrying banned items. Finally, Superferry staff allowed vehicles on board with wheels caked with mud.
This report comes almost a year after protesters blocked the Alakai's entry into Nawiliwili Harbor.
Company CEO Tom Fargo is optimistic the ferry will someday sail back to Kauai and he hopes the report and the company's track record will calm fears.
"We are going to meet or exceed these standards because we believe it's important that we protect our community from invasive species," Fargo said.
Fargo said the company will improve inspection procedures based on the report's recommendations. One suggestion was to stagger vehicle arrival times to allow for more detailed inspections. Also, simple things such as getting better flashlights for night time inspections and providing vacuums, for a fee, to passengers who need to do last minute cleaning of their car.
Meanwhile, the Superferry plans to start service to the Big Island next summer with a second ferry. That ferry is about 80 percent complete and should arrive on Oahu by spring.