Superferry traffic way below estimates

‘Emergency' cited by company in letter to state agency.

The Hawaii Superferry is in an 'emergency situation' with so few passengers that its ability to continue running between Oahu and Maui is imperiled, according to a letter written last month by attorneys for the Superferry. The Superferry vessel Alakai, which can seat 866 passengers, is averaging only 150 passengers per day, far below its planned ridership of 410, according to the letter from Superferry attorneys Goodsill Anderson Quinn and Stifel. The letter was sent to the state Public Utilities Commission requesting an extension of the Superferry's $39 one-way promotional fares through June 5. Attorney Audrey Ng wrote that Hawaii Superferry 'must increase its business immediately' to address weak bookings, interisland airline competition and continuing litigation and protests; to pay for fixed expenses as well as to compensate for repeated delays; and to start a second Maui trip.
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