Have been reading over all of the PUC, Consumer Advocate, statutory, and Act 2 documentation regarding how false assumptions were relied upon in determining 'public convenience and necessity' on this.
One of the key assumptions was that HSF would be able to price themselves profitably at 1/2 the price of inter-island airfares. That ain't happenin' at these airfares, and it won't happen later either because HSF's fuel cost structure per passenger is greater than for inter-island jet flights.
Another assumption that hasn't held is that reported ridership demand for HSF's services on average for the past year, except for the summer months, hasn't even gotten to break-even for them. Meaning that given the design they are using, consumer need and demand hasn't been enough to enabled them to even break-even beyond the 2 - 3 summer months. Anyway, that is another post that is almost ready.
The following is something I heard Ron Wiley advertising on the radio similar to what Go! is offering, which HSF cannot match contrary to goals stated in their PUC filings. Notice the nice comfortable-looking large seating in the below pictures at http://www.mokuleleairlines.com/Home.html:
Christie Wilson had a couple of good front page articles in today's paper here and here. Apparently Belt Collins now wants 70% more than originally asked for to finish the Act 2 pseudo-EIS, up to a cool $1.7 mil. Shoot, the whole thing shoulda been done for a couple hundred thou. DOT-Harbors wants another $1 to $1.5 million to fix the Kahului barge mooring system. And DOT-Harbors wants another $250,000 to $350,000 to clear out the productive fishing boats at the end of Pier 19/20 to make room for HSF II, the one that's expected to have it's own ramp. In total, the Lingle Administration is now asking for a few million more in 'unforeseen' expenses that have come about because a real E.I.S. wasn't done.
Wonder how much more money this thing's gonna need? Ever heard of cuttin' your losses? You know, in Washington and Alaska viable ferry systems are owned by the state. Meanwhile, high school kids mentioned to me today that their after-school activities, athletic and other events are being cut back by the Governor and State. The kids wondered why they're getting the cuts and the ferry keeps getting more money. I didn't have a good answer for them, at least not that they would find acceptable.
Regarding the Supreme Court case, it has taken so long, that I am starting to think there has been incredible pressure put upon the Justices to cave in and uphold Act 2. Will be pleasantly surprised if that turns out to not be the case.
Aloha, Brad
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This came in the e-mail 1/27/09:
BOOK HERE NOW!!!
Fare valid thru 9PM tonight, so hurry and plan your next get-away!
When booking on the MW Online Booking Tool, discount is taken in the final payment screen. All reservations made thru the Call Center (808.426.7070) are subject to a $5 per booking fee.
And don't forget, all of our fares include at least 1 FREE CHECKED BAG!
The...50 percent discount applied to "child" fare in the Mokulele Airlines Online Booking Tool or when calling our reservations line at 808.426.7070. Fare discounts expire at 9:00PM Hawaii time on Tuesday, January 27th. Discount is based on a discount of 50 percent off of the BASE FARE, which does not include the 7.5 percent Federal Excise Tax; or any of the additional taxes and fees not listed. A Child is defined as anyone between the age of 2 and 12 at the time of the first departure. Anyone purchasing a fare who appears to be over the age of 12 may be required to pay normal adult fare at time of check-in unless proof of age is provided. Unaccompanied Minor fees and charges still apply, without discount. Discount is valid on ALL fares offered on Mokulele Airlines Operated & Marketed flights. Flights operated by Mokulele Airlines but marketed by another carrier are not covered. Flights 100-999 operated by Shuttle America, Inc. and are included in this promotion. Changes to Child rates will require difference in airfare plus change fees. Discount amount is nonrefundable and discount value is used in a re-issue or exchange. Discount fares receive standard mileage on Mokulele Airlines Frequent Flyer Partners. Standard fare rules apply, rules vary based on fare purchased. Discounts to negotiated fares are excluded from this promotion. Guest booked on flights 100-999 receive 1 bag as part of the Free Luggage Allowance; guests booked on flights 1000-1999 receive 2 bags as part of the Free Luggage Allowance - bags are not to exceed 50 pounds or 62 linear inches. Guest connecting between the 2 flight series are permitted the higher Free Baggage Allowance.
This email was sent by Mokulele Airlines, 1100 Alakea Street, 1401, Honolulu, Hi 96813, using Express Email Marketing. You subscribed to this permission-based list on 1/26/2009.
Aloha,
With all the EXCITEMENT this offer is now valid to Wednesday 28th of January 9PM HSTand we amended the keiki age range to cover ages 2 to 17!
When booking on the MW Online Booking Tool, discount is taken in the final payment screen. All reservations made thru the Call Center (808.426.7070) are subject to a $5 per booking fee.
And don't forget, all of our fares include at least 1 FREE CHECKED BAG!
This email was sent by Mokulele Airlines, 1100 Alakea Street, 1401, Honolulu, Hi 96813, using Express Email Marketing. You subscribed to this permission-based list on 1/26/2009.
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