Seaglider Initiative expands with 3 partners

By Daniel Farr

Hawaii

Tribune-Herald

The Hawaii Seaglider Initiative — a coalition advocating electric-powered vehicles known as seagliders as a cleaner, affordable interisland transportation option — has added three major organizations to its membership: Hawaii Medical Service Association, The Queen’s Health System and Kamehameha Schools.

David Uchiyama, HSI co-administrator, spoke with the Hawaii Tribune-Herald on Sept. 25 about the project’s approval process and production timeline. “They’re right now in the certification process with the U.S. Coast Guard, and the anticipated timeline would have vehicles coming off the production line in early 2026,” he said.

The seagliders are being developed by REGENT Craft, a Rhode Island company.

Uchiyama estimated seaglider flights would cost about one-third of a conventional aircraft, but final prices will depend on the chosen operator.

The initiative is seeking carriers to operate the vehicles in Hawaii and plans to conduct an environmental impact statement to ease the process for potential operators.

Uchiyama also emphasized the initiative’s role in addressing climate change, especially for island communities. “Climate change is so sensitive for us here in the islands,” he said.

HMSA executives said the organization joined the initiative to reduce barriers to health care access, especially for neighbor island communities.

“Hawaii’s unique geography makes access to timely health care a challenge, especially for neighbor island communities,” Jennifer Diesman, HMSA senior vice president of government policy, said in a news release. “We’re excited to join the Hawaii Seaglider Initiative to explore innovative solutions that bring care closer to the people who need it, while also supporting a cleaner and more resilient future for our state.”

Jason C. Chang, president and CEO of The Queen’s Health System, said “partnering with the Hawaii Seaglider Initiative is a powerful opportunity to reimagine health equity by enhancing interisland connectivity for patients, caregivers and medical resources.”

Kaeo Duarte, vice president of Aina Pauahi at Kamehameha Schools, spoke about how the initiative aligns with the school’s mission and educational impact.

“Kamehameha Schools is proud to support forwardthinking initiatives like HSI that align with our mission to create thriving futures for Native Hawaiian learners,” Duarte said in the news release. “Seagliders represent an opportunity not just in clean transportation, but in education and workforce development that is rooted in innovation, place and culture.”

HSI now includes 38 members from the private sector, community organizations and government agencies.

Seagliders are electricpowered vehicles that glide 30 feet to 60 feet above the ocean surface at speeds up to 180 mph. They offer travel times about 15 minutes longer than conventional interisland flights, while avoiding airport security procedures.

The vehicles launch as seaborne vessels, transition to hydrofoil-supported flight, then retract the hydrofoil at full speed, the Tribune-Herald reported last year.

HSI plans for seagliders to operate from two ports on each island, including Kewalo Basin in Honolulu, the Tribune-Herald previously reported.

The initiative is nearing completion of Phase IIB of its feasibility study, which evaluates technical, environmental and infrastructure needs across 11 state harbors.

The study is conducted with the state Department of Transportation, Hawaii Community Development Authority, Office for Hawaiian Affairs and Department of Land and Natural Resources. Its findings will guide infrastructure development, permitting and community engagement as HSI prepares for deployment.

A rendering shows a proposed seaglider design in operation over the ocean.

RENDERING COURTESY REGENT

David Uchiyama

———

COURTESY PHOTO