Pasha Hawaii service could threaten local competition

Pasha Hawaii service could threaten local competition    Hawaii's biggest inter-island carrier has filed a motion with Hawaii's Public Utilities Commission over Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines' plans to launch inter-island cargo service, the Honolulu Advertiser reported Tuesday.
   Young Brothers said Pasha's service, which would link Honolulu with Hilo and Kahului, would undermine its business by creating an 'unlevel playing field.' Young Brothers has filed for intervenor status in the PUC's hearings on Pasha's application to provide inter-island service.
   The company said that by ignoring smaller markets such as Moloka’i, Lana’i and Kawaihae on the Big Island, and 'cherry-picking' the most profitable routes, Pasha would 'threaten our ability to afford our current level of service to all islands.'
   “Pasha’s application, if approved, will result in an unlevel playing field with Pasha obtaining an unfair advantage in the regulated inter-island/intrastate marine freight marketplace,” said Glenn Hong, president and chief executive officer of Young Brothers.
   Pasha Hawaii provides cargo service from the West Coast to Honolulu, Hilo and Kahului. But the company does not have regulatory approval to pick up and drop off shipments among the three local ports, the newspaper reported.
   Pasha is planning to make inter-island runs every two weeks. Young Brothers provides two weekly services to Hilo, two to Kawaihae, three to Kahului, two to Nawiliwili on Kaua’i, two to Kaunakakai on Moloka’i, and one to Lana’i.