State funds obligate ferry to heed concerns

THE ISSUE Legislators might withhold funding for harbor improvements unless the Superferry company explains its plans to the public.

WITH taxpayers investing millions of dollars to aid its operations, the ferry company that hopes to begin carrying passengers between islands next year should be more communicative about its plans.

Unless it is responsive to public concerns about traffic increases, both on the roads and in the harbors, and about mitigating environmental problems, state lawmakers have an excuse to withhold some of the $40 million appropriated last year. Moreover, the state administration should be taking a good look at the company's blueprints and strategies.

Hawaii Superferry Inc. gained the state's financial support for improvements at harbor facilities to help launch its service, which promises to benefit the public by offering another way to travel interisland and to transport goods. Island residents and businesses have embraced the ferries, which also will carry vehicles.

How the company intends to deal with additional vehicular traffic the service will generate, tight harbor and dockside space and intrusions on shoreline recreation and the potential for spreading invasive species needs to be addressed.

Maui residents have been the most aggressive in seeking answers because of critical conditions at Kahului Harbor and feel that the company has rebuffed their efforts for information. As a result, Maui lawmakers have sought to cut $10 million of the appropriation to compel the company to hold public meetings about its plans.

Superferry has selected residents to sit on its advisory boards, which it contends will be a more efficient way to handle public concerns. But even though the board members might represent a cross section of the community, there is no reason why the company cannot provide information to all who are interested.

The company says it will soon present its plans to address problems, but those should be subject to review by the public and state officials. Getting taxpayer funding means Superferry is accountable to those footing the bill.