A feasibility study commissioned by the Hawai’i Seaglider Initiative has found that 78% of Hawai’i residents support the introduction of an interisland sea glider service, according to an announcement.

The initiative, made up of a coalition of local stakeholders, launched nearly a year ago to increase awareness and adoption of seagliders in the state.

The Hawaiʻi Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Hawai’i Community Development Authority have joined the initiative “to explore the benefits of seagliders to local communities, signaling a growing momentum to bring affordable, accessible and sustainable transportation solutions to the state,” the announcement said.

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“The expansion of the initiative is a testament to the shared need to connect communities across Hawai’i with affordable, sustainable transportation solutions that unlock access to essential goods and services,” said David Uchiyama, co-administrator of the initiative.

The feasibility study conducted by SMS Research examined the potential effects of seagliders on the community and island culture, the environment, infrastructure, resiliency, workforce development and education to identify needs and deliver actionable recommendations.

The study found seagliders will increase accessibility for residents, creating pathways to high-paying jobs and educational opportunities and providing lifesaving medical care and timely natural disaster relief.

“Understanding the feasibility of offering seaglider transportation in Hawai’i will provide new opportunities to empower native Hawaiians and help them gain better access to healthcare and other essential needs,” said Stacy Kealohalani Ferreira, chief executive officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

David Molinaro, technologies director of the Hawaiʻi Center for Advanced Transportation, said the organization is partnering with the initiative to advance its mission to inspire and transform Hawaiʻi’s clean energy future.

“Together, we can make Hawai’i the leader in zero-emission transportation technologies that improve lives and reduce climate risks,” he said.

Adoption of zero-emission vessels, such as seagliders, will advance Hawai‘i’s public- and private-sector decarbonization efforts. Seagliders can offset up to 30% of CO2e emissions from inter-island commercial aviation travel, based on existing energy sources, the study found.

This year, the Hawai’i State Energy Office cited all-electric seagliders as part of the state’s decarbonization plans, and the initiative was featured in the Southwest One Report as Southwest Airlines’ first public engagement on battery-electric propulsion technologies with zero direct emissions and Hawaiian Airlines Annual Sustainability report as a key partner in reducing emissions in the state.

In 2025, the initiative will focus on the necessary seaglider implementation efforts to enable these benefits. 

The initiative also will explore how to modernize the state’s maritime transportation network and facilitate renewable energy infrastructure; develop education and workforce development programs; and continue to host community events to engage residents and cultural groups.