The Hawaii Seaglider Initiative launched earlier this year with support from the local government, and private and nonprofit sectors, to establish an inter- and intra-island seaglider network in Hawaii. HSI is “committed to delivering a new affordable and accessible transportation option to Hawaii communities,” officials announced in January.
“I commend the Hawaii Seaglider Initiative partners from the private, public and community sectors for working together to explore sustainable transportation technology that is in line with our climate change and clean energy strategies,” said Gov. Josh Green in a statement. “This investment in our inter-island transportation network will provide a renewable transportation alternative that will help keep our communities connected, support our local businesses and build a resilient economy for Hawaii.”
The initiative will collaborate with the state Department of Transportation to support the state’s 2045 decarbonization goals through its use of renewable energy for passenger and freight services.
“The Hawaii Department of Transportation is proud to collaborate with the Hawaii Seaglider Initiative as part of the state’s long-term efforts to build resilience into our transportation systems,” said DOT Director Ed Sniffen in a statement. “Seaglider technology has strong potential to provide an efficient, affordable and renewable alternative form of inter-island transportation for both passengers and freight. This memorandum of understanding will provide the framework for government, private and community stakeholders to work together in a thoughtful and coordinated approach to address the many environmental, cultural, economic and technical components associated with integrating seaglider technology into our transportation network and infrastructure.”
The benefits of a seaglider in Hawaii include:
- Reduced cost for kamaaina travel: A route feasibility study estimates a one-way seaglider ticket from Oahu to Maui or Oahu to Kauai could cost $30, according to HSI.
- Reduced cost for shipping: Seagliders can also be outfitted to transport cargo, including food and other essential goods, between islands. According to HSI, by lowering transportation and supply chain costs, the price of goods will in turn go down, increasing the purchasing power of Hawaii residents.
According to the announcement, HSI members at the time of its launch included AES Hawaii, Alaska Airlines, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hawaii Agricultural Foundation, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii Building & Constructions Trades Council, Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, IBEW Local 1186, Japan Airlines, Makaha Cultural Learning Center, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, Mokulele Airlines, Molokai Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Current, Polynesian Adventure, Pulama Lanai, REGENT, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, United Airlines and Young Brothers.
Members will focus on discussions around readying Hawaii’s renewable energy and harbor infrastructure; addressing climate and environmental concerns; training the next generation of skilled workers to support Hawaii’s economy; and ensuring that local communities receive equitable access to and benefits from a seaglider network, the announcement noted.
Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO of Rhode Island-based REGENT, said in a statement, “HSI brings together local, national and international partners — including some of the top minds in transportation — to deliver affordable and accessible seaglider technology to Hawaii residents by the middle of this decade. We are excited to be part of this group and to work together to meet the unique needs of Hawaii residents.”
“As an early investor and design partner for REGENT’s 100-person seaglider, and as a company that has connected the islands for 94 years with reliable air service, we look forward to lending our expertise to this community effort and learning more about the technology and its potential to make inter-island transportation more sustainable,” said Avi Mannis, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Hawaiian Airlines, in a statement.
Southern Airways-owned Mokulele Airlines is expected to be the first worldwide operator of these all-electric seagliders, which are manufactured by REGENT, per the announcement. As Pacific Business News previously reported, REGENT is targeting sea trials in 2024 of its 12-passenger seaglider called Viceroy, and aiming for delivery of seagliders to initial customers in 2025.
“For 30 years, Mokulele has connected the airports of Hawaii,” said Keith Sisson, chief of staff for Mokulele Airlines, in a statement. “Being the launch customer of the seaglider allows us the opportunity to introduce a new way of connecting the islands, separate of airport hassles. This will be transformative and will position Mokulele as the multi-modal choice for inter-island travel going forward.”
In 2024, HSI said it “will continue to develop the socioeconomic and technical feasibility of establishing an inter-island and intra-island seaglider network in Hawaii.”
“Maui Hotel and Lodging Association is honored to be an advisor to HSI and discuss how we can provide more efficient ways to transport people and goods in an environmentally friendly way for all of Maui County,” said Lisa Paulson, executive director of Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, in a statement.
Kuhio Lewis, CEO of CNHA and an advisor to HSI, said in a statement, “We eagerly anticipate the transformative possibilities that seagliders bring to enhancing the well-being of individuals throughout Hawaii, particularly our Molokai community. By offering an affordable and sustainable means of transportation, seagliders aim to facilitate improved access to health care and employment opportunities.”
For more information, visit hawaiiseaglider.org.
