Question: What happened to the day-cruise ship Navatek? It isn’t in the harbor anymore.
Answer: The distinctive double-hulled vessel remains in Honolulu Harbor, just not at Pier 6, where you used to see it. It was retired in May and is up for sale, with a negotiable asking price of $1 million, said Ronald Williams, president and chief executive officer of Atlantis Adventures, its owner.
“It is a unique vessel. We’re not using it anymore (for Atlantis excursions), but it is there at the harbor at one of our piers,” Williams said Friday.
Atlantis replaced the Navatek I with the Majestic, a new, 400-passenger ship that embarks from Pier 6 for the company’s whale-watching, fireworks and sunset dinner cruises. The Navatek I’s last Atlantis dinner cruise was May 27, according to previous news reports.
Built in 1989, the Navatek I has a pioneering history, as summarized by Eric Schiff, vice president of Navatek Ltd., its original owner. Navatek Ltd. is a subsidiary of Pacific Marine & Supply Co. Ltd.
Schiff said: “After operating the Navatek I nonstop for 11 years, Navatek Ltd. sold the boat to Atlantis Adventures in the year 2000. Atlantis operated it very successfully for another 16 years. That’s 27 years of continuous dinner cruises, lunch cruises and whale-watch cruises for Hawaii’s tourists and local residents. Approximately 5 million guests rode the boat over the years. The boat was designed by Navatek’s owner and founder, Steven Loui. … In 1990 the Navatek I was named ‘Passenger Vessel of the Year’ by the Passenger Vessel Association. When Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in 1992, the Navatek I was sent over the next day with emergency supplies, first responders and emergency workers. It was the first transport to get to the island and provided critical support for the people of Kauai.”
The success of the 141-foot SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) vessel, which produced a smoother voyage thanks to dual hulls riding below the water’s surface, helped make Loui’s companies high-tech leaders in Hawaii. His innovations in nautical engineering did not end with the Navatek I. In 2009 Loui launched the Sea Blade hull design, for 16- to 40-foot-long vessels in rough ocean waters. The Sea Blade is now in its fourth generation, according to the company’s website.
Auwe
I hope that the person who hit the right rear fender of my car at approximately 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, on Mahalo Street has many a sleepless night. There wasn’t a car in sight as I began to back into my garage, so you must have been exceeding the speed limit of 25 mph as posted. It was thoughtless and daring to attempt to pass me on the right, but you did, leaving a nice dent in my fender with a streak of gray telltale paint, not to mention an unbudgeted repair bill for me. You didn’t have the courtesy to stop, but I’ll recognize you someday when you’re passing by. Meanwhile, try to be a more courteous and patient driver. The next person or car you hit may be your last. — Disgusted
Mahalo
A big thank you to Martin, who took the time to jump my car at Kahala Mall on Jan. 25. After four people refused to help me and one nice Mokulele Airlines pilot wasn’t able to in the end, Martin very cheerfully connected the cables, waited several minutes to make sure my battery had enough charge, and then gave me advice on how to keep my engine running. I was feeling so discouraged and embarrassed by the looks I had been receiving, I just can’t thank Martin enough. What a wonderful, good-hearted man. Thank you, Martin! — Lori
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
