HONOLULU-At the request of Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle, Hawaii Superferry has suspended inter-island service indefinitely after two days of protests over concerns that the ferry will endanger whales, spread invasive species and worsen traffic and pollution on the islands. The ferry was forced to return to Honolulu and Hawaii Superferry provided some passengers with hotel rooms and vouchers for future travel. At this time, three car rental companies-Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty-are working with Hawaii Superferry to allow the movement of rental cars between islands.
During a seminar at the 2007 Hawaii Tourism Conference, held at the Honolulu Convention Center August 28 and 29, Ward Yamashiro, passenger sales manager for Hawaii Superferry, provided information for travel agents that will apply once the service is up-and-running. Although Hawaii Superferry does not pay commissions, it has made arrangements with two wholesalers-Portland-based All About Travel and Honolulu-based Panda Travel. Both companies will pay agents commissions based on volume.
"Down the line we will have GDS capability and travel agent incentives, but right now it's not a priority," said Yamashiro. Visit [www.hawaiisuperferry.com].