Fast Times Off Waikiki
The Aptly Named Honolulu Screamer Gives Passengers A Thrilling Dose Of High Speed On The High Seas. Greg Longnecker has the need for speed and a love of the ocean.
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old Liana. “Money came and went and I wasn’t really content. I just wasn’t happy. I just could-n’t figure it out. I got a decent business, got a beautiful wife and I just was not happy and I did not know what the deal was.”
The answer to his problems came from an unexpected place - a friend he hadn’t seen for 14 years. Had it not been for this unexpected meeting, Longnecker may not have been in a position to invest so heavily in a risky business venture where profit margins start small and go down as fuel and maintenance costs raise.
Longnecker’s best friend growing up was Michael Spitzbergen, the nonreligous son of a Christian pastor in his hometown. While Greg was no doubt exposed to religion because of Michael’s father, any thoughts of faith were never in the conversation as the boys just did what came naturally, running around, making rafts, climbing trees and playing in and around the water of Oceansprings until the Spitzbergen family moved when the boys were sophomores in high school. It was the last contact the two would have until Michael showed up unannounced at Longnecker’s door on one of his return trips to Mississippi.
“He showed up on my doorstep and he said, ‘I hunted you down.’ He said God told me to hunt you down and I was like ‘What are you talking about?’ He came in and sat down and it was weird. He had a Bible and said God really wanted me to come see you, and I’m thinking this guy has lost it. He’s looney tunes. I sat down and he just started talking about the Lord and it was the first time I ever listened. I never went to church my whole life. I had Christian friends on the North Shore ... and they’d ask me to come to church and I used to laugh at them and be like ‘Yeah, whatever.’ But I started reading the Bible and I couldn’t put it down. A week after that I gave my heart to the Lord. I quit drinking, quit doing drugs, quit par-tying and just really started to see life clearly for the first time, and ever since then I’ve just been walking with him and it’s been great.”
Longnecker says the change in lifestyle and the discovery of his faith, has been directly responsible for his business success and helped carry him through when challenges arrive.
“We go through these tough times and we know there is something bigger. Money is going to come and go, boats are going to come and go, and I’ll be gone someday, and hopefully, I can leave something for my kids. But the one thing that’s good is knowing that everything will always work out.”
The Screamer takes out riders each day. Cost is $24.95 for the 45-minute trip. Call 597-8669.
The Screamer IS NOT FOR EVERYONE
* Absolutely no pregnant women on board the Honolulu Screamer!
* Absolutely no people with heart conditions, back injuries or those who are susceptible to back injury!
* Riders must be 40 inches tall.
* Children must be able to sit in their seat without assistance.
* All passengers must stay seated while the boat is in motion.
* Hold on to hats and sunglasses, they may fly away.
* Keep your hands and head in the boat while docking.
* Be aware you will get wet.
* Honolulu Screamer is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items.
* No smoking and no food or drink.
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