Category — North Kohala

2nd ship launch delayed by at least one year
10.29.2008 - Hawaii County

VIDEO

The Hawaii Superferry announced that it is putting its planned Big Island to Oahu service “on hold”, citing the current economic uncertainty. The second ship service was scheduled to begin in early 2009, once it was delivered from Mobile Alabama shipbuilder, Austal USA.

“Hawaii Superferry remains committed to serving the people and business of Hawaii,” said Hawaii Superferry President and CEO Tom Fargo in a press release. “Postponing the introduction of our second ship will defer over $10 million in start-up costs and enable us to maintain our sound financial position. Given today’s economic uncertainties, this decision is both prudent and provides us with additional time to develop this market, while continuing to grow our successful O`ahu and Maui service.”

Fargo went on to say that serving the islands, including the Big Island and Kauai, remains the Superfery’s goal.

The release also stated that the company “will look at short-term opportunities for use of the ship prior to its induction into service in the islands.”

HPA Ohana Association sponsors the 17th annual event
October 27, 2008 - Waimea, Hawaii

See the VIDEO

Families gathered for a Sunday of harvest season fun and entertainment on the scenic grounds of the Hawaii Preparatory Academy Upper Campus.

The free event drew thousands of Big Island residents, and featured a huge pumpkin patch with organically grown pumpkins. Games, prizes, music, a silent auction, and a scarecrow competition were highlights of the 17th annual event.

The event is said to be the largest pumpkin patch on Hawaii island.

Miguel Ferrufino, 26, last seen Saturday near Kapa`a Beach Park
October 24, 2008 - Kapa`a Beach Park, Hawaii

Kapa`a Beach Park Video

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a kayaker gone missing, according to an updated release issued this evening.

Miguel Ferrufino was last seen on Saturday, when he was paddling a yellow kayak off of Kapa`a Beach Park on the North Kohala coast of the Big Island. He was said to be wearing multi-colored shorts and a dark blue T-shirt.

Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and Civil Air Patrol have conducted 49 separate searches over the past five days, covering an area approximately four times as large as the Big Island. The entire Kohala shoreline has been scoured, as well as the Alenuihaha Channel.

“We saturated the area with all assets possible, but we were unable to find any sign of Ferrufino,” said Chief Petty Officer Seth Haynes in a Coast Guard press release. “It’s always unfortunate when we don’t reunite the missing with their family and friends.”

Anyone with info or possible sightings is asked to call the Coast Guard at 808-842-2600.

Miguel Ferrufino, 26, last seen Saturday near Kapa`a Beach Park
October 24, 2008 - Kapa`a Beach Park, Hawaii

VIDEO

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to search for a kayaker gone missing, according to an updated release issued October 23.

Miguel Ferrufino was last seen on Saturday, when he was paddling with relatives off Kapa`a Beach Park on the North Kohala coast of the Big Island. He was said to be wearing multi-colored shorts and a dark blue T-shirt. He was using a yellow kayak.

Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and Civil Air Patrol have searched an area of approximately 16,000 square miles in an attempt to locate Ferrufino, which is an area four times as large as the Big Island. The entire Kohala shoreline has been scoured, as well as the Alenuihaha Channel. Yesterday, a small craft advisory was in effect for the channel.

Anyone with info or possible sightings is asked to call the Coast Guard at 808-842-2600.