DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM The Hawaii Superferry announced yesterday that there will be a 30 percent discount on vehicle fares for local farmers and merchants. Warren Watanabe, Maui County Farm Bureau executive director, and Maui farmer Grant Hamachi were at Honolulu Harbor yesterday, holding corn and radishes that Hamachi grew.

Superferry offers deal to isle merchants

Local farmers and merchants can now receive a 30 percent discount on their vehicle fares aboard the Hawaii Superferry, the company announced yesterday.

Terry O'Halloran, Superferry's director of business development, said the company is working with the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation and Maui County Farm Bureau to encourage farmers to bring new products to markets.

"We want to support our local agricultural industry here," he said. "It's about the sustainability of our state."

Local businesses will receive the discount if they can show the products they are carrying - including livestock, produce, and flowers - are grown 100 percent in Hawaii.

Hawaii Farm Bureau President Dean Okimoto said the partnership offers farmers an affordable alternative to air and sea shipping and will lead to fresher products and more choices for the consumer.

Okimoto said on the Superferry, farmers can keep their produce refrigerated in their trucks the whole time, improving shelf life.

"You're going to see a better-quality product," he said.