Second Superferry Launch Postponed

HONOLULU (AP) - Hawaii Superferry has pushed back the
introduction of its second ship and the launch of service to the
Big Island for about a year because of the economic downturn.
The company says it will continue Oahu-Maui service with its
first vessel, the Alakai, which was launched in August 2007.
Hawaii Superferry CEO Tom Fargo says postponing the introduction
of the second ship will defer more than $10 million in costs and
enable the company to stay in sound financial condition.
The ship is being built by Mobile, Ala.-based Austal USA and is
expected to be delivered in February.
Hawaii Superferry says it will examine another use for the ship
until it enters service in Hawaii.
Each catamarans seats up to 800 passengers and carries about 200
vehicles.