First Of 2 Commuter Ferries Arrives

HONOLULU -- The first of the city's two new "commuter ferries" has arrived.

The new ferry, dubbed "Melissa Ann," arrived from Seattle Friday.

The 72-foot catamaran-type vessel can carry up to 149 passengers.

There will be three trips each morning and each evening between Kalaeloa Harbor and the Aloha Tower.

"People are looking for more options to travel -- especially from the west side, and this will provide that," Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said.

"I would be a lot more excited if I knew it was taking off from Iroquois Point because taking off from Kalaeloa takes everyone from Ewa Beach backward. It doesn't gain any time in getting us into town," commuter Pat Monroe said.

The city said it is considering a stop at Iroquois Point.

A one-way ticket will be $2 and also include two transfers for bus connections.

The ferry ride will be one hour each way and begins next month.