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Residents must unite
in support of Superferry

Pointing to environmental concerns and space restrictions as primary reasons to obstruct the Superferry is deceiving. If there was harbor space for the previous Oahu-based ferry, there's space for the Superferry. Do you really think the average Hawaii citizen is buying those excuses? We all know that the objections to the Superferry are about the bottom line.

Hawaii Superferry Inc. is asking the state for a $40 million loan for improvements to state harbors that will allow the ferry to dock. The loan would be repaid over the next two decades through wharf fees and excise taxes.

But competing companies fear how much money the Superferry will take away from them in terms of commerce and productivity. The Superferry, which will carry passengers and vehicles, might hurt one or more of these companies -- cargo shippers, struggling interisland airlines or rental car companies. These businesses can be expected to protect themselves by pressuring the Department of Transportation and their state legislators to reject Hawaii Superferry's request.

It can be assumed that the Department of Transportation, directed by the governor, supports the ferry proposal. Those at the highest level of that department have received that message, but perhaps it has not quite trickled down to the harbors division. The DOT should not be one of the barriers to this project.

Politicians can protect the companies by seeking to maintain the status quo. However, they will be blocking a project that the average citizen is excited about and eagerly welcoming. Just as the companies instinctively assume that the ferry will hurt their bottom line, Mr. and Mrs. Average Public, who want an alternate way to reach the neighbor islands, know the ferry will help theirs. The Superferry will save the public money while creating many jobs and enhancing business opportunities statewide. It will create an incredible travel experience for tourists and locals alike. We are far behind other countries that operate successful ferry systems -- look at Greece and its "Flying Dolphins" going between the islands. Let's face it, we have to keep up with technology; the winds of change are buffeting our doors. This one is about as huge as they come. We need leadership and public activism to make the Superferry a reality.

Perhaps it is as simple as a public demand for the Superferry, which might not yet have reached the legislators and DOT officials. How can the average citizen help to move this project forward? It is time to organize. This is a project that will have so many benefits for all of us -- from Waimanalo to Honolulu to Molokai to Wailuku to Hanalei Bay to Kona. Islanders everywhere will benefit from this great new service. We the public must muster for the ferry the passion usually reserved for more emotionally charged, headline-grabbing issues; that level of organization, commitment and vocal support must be put forth to be recognized.

Time is ticking away. The walls against the Superferry are being fortified. It is up to us. We must convey the demand for the Superferry immediately. Call or write your local politicians -- state and city level, too. Call or write your congressmen -- all of them. Write letters to the editor. Call or write the state Department of Transportation. Call or write environmental groups like the Sierra Club. Let them know you want the Superferry. It might sound corny, but this is the only way the average citizens will secure their rightful place at the negotiating table.

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