Interisland ferry system is a good idea but Superferry is not the answer

The May 20 editorial is surprising in its simplistic endorsement of the Superferry’s return, this time with gambling and alcohol added. Talk about a bad mix. Let’s remember that this vessel was already known for its high rate of seasickness with each crossing, and its high diesel fuel consumption made it uneconomical and hardly in line with the goals of Hawaii’s Clean Energy Initiative. Add in gambling and alcohol for a three-hour-plus voyage and then watch as inebriated passengers drive off the docks, onto our roads and into our communities. Talk about impacts. Remember that Maui’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers are still overworked and understaffed. Do we expect them to again donate personal time to inspect Oahu-bound vehicles so that Maui’s natural resources are not illegally taken from us? Will we demand that the Superferry Oversight Task Force’s recommendation of an undercarriage wash system be built at each dock in order to prevent invasive species in vehicle tires and grills from moving between islands. Will we ask that Alakai be fitted with an onboard ramp so that we don’t again have its barge breaking loose with every north swell that comes into Kahului Harbor? Why can’t Hawaii have a sensible conversation about developing a practical and environmentally sound interisland ferry service without automatically calling for Superferry’s return? It was the wrong vessel then and remains the wrong vessel today. Gov. Neil Abercrombie spoke of a state interisland ferry authority. This is a good idea provided it is made up of a crosssection of the community representing business interests, marine expertise and environmental concerns so that the ferry system developed could actually work in Hawaii’s waters, make a profit and not deplete our precious natural resources, while providing alternative transportation to residents and visitors. Perhaps such a ferry authority would recommend a slower speed passenger-only vessel which would decrease possible whale collisions and eliminate the need for vehicle inspections. Most certainly it would agree that suggesting the Superferry return with alcohol and gambling included is both glib and irresponsible at best. * Irene Bowie is the executive director of Maui Tomorrow Foundation Inc.