TheBoat Opens For Business

HONOLULU -- Honolulu residents got their first look at a new ferry on Sunday.

This ferry has nothing to do with the controversial Hawaii Superferry that is slated to start operations again in less than two weeks. This is the city's ferry that will provide service between Kalaeloa and Honolulu.

The city held an open house aboard the Melissa Ann, a 72-foot twin-hulled catamaran. It was docked next to Aloha Tower, just across the harbor from the now-idle Superferry.

The new city ferry, called TheBoat, will transport passengers between Kalaeloa and Honolulu starting on Monday morning. TheBoat holds 149 passengers, and is not as big as the Superferry, which holds a maximum of 866 passengers. Another difference between the Superferry and TheBoat is that passengers can bring their bikes on board, but not their cars.

The city hopes that people will pay the $2 fare to take to the water so they can avoid traffic jams like the backup last week that was caused by a loose drainage grate. Bus passes also are honored on TheBoat, which is equipped to assist special-needs passengers.

"TheBoat was really great, nice inside. Comfortable. I would ride it, and you can use your bus pass, which is really great," said Oahu resident Kalani Maui.

During the open house on Sunday, people brought their families, checked out the seating and looked at the schedules. Some people said they would include it in their commute, while others said they would use TheBoat just for fun and sightseeing.

Service begins at 5:30 a.m. from Kalaeloa to Honolulu. A one-way trip will take one hour.

For more information on TheBoat, including the ferry's schedule, go to www.trytheboat.com.