Local News in Brief : Catalina Ferry Plan Gains
The start of ferryboat service to Santa Catalina Island from King Harbor in Redondo Beach, which has been stalled for the past five months, got a slight boost this week when the Redondo Beach City Council granted permission for the service.
Nevertheless, Catalina Channel Express Inc. cannot start service unless the state Public Utilities Commission lifts a stay it imposed last September.
The commission approved the service last June, but Steve Kofahl, who unsuccessfully tried to establish boat service to the island from King Harbor four years ago, appealed, questioning the docking plans and the safety and adequacy of the facilities there. In September, the commission ordered a rehearing on those issues and placed a stay on its prior approval.
The rehearing was held by an administrative law judge early last month, and the commission is expected to reconsider the issue within two months.
Greg Bombard, vice president and general manager of Catalina Express, told the Redondo Beach council that he would like to begin year-round service to the island from King Harbor on June 15. Two round trips a day are planned, with round-trip fares tentatively set at $30.
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