Let’s put Superferry fight behind us

THE ISSUE Having cleared legal hurdles, the Hawaii Superferry plans to resume operations next month.

AS the Hawaii Superferry prepares to restart its interisland circuits Dec. 1, the company's officials and the people who oppose its operating without environmental reviews have some time to ease the friction developed through the months of legal battles.

Though it might be difficult to see eye to eye, all parties should acknowledge that physical and verbal confrontations will only widen the divide the ferry dispute has brought.

Environmental and citizens groups who believe that Gov. Linda Lingle and legislators did them wrong by passing a special measure to set aside state law can continue their challenges in court. They are free to protest, but must do so lawfully and respectfully. Otherwise, they hurt their cause and could hamper continuing and future efforts to protect Hawaii's fragile environment. While they might consider rules the governor laid out for the ferry minimally protective, their best service would be to make sure the ferry adheres to them and to suggest improvements.

The governor, lawmakers and ferry officials need to live up to their promises to close the rift their actions, inaction and bad decisions have generated. Clearing the new law through the courts should be just the beginning for making amends.

Moreover, politicians and the public should check the harsh rhetoric that has marked the controversy. Accusations about motives, misleading chatter and negative characterizations that have dominated the dispute worked only to separate the community. The ferry fight has yielded no clear winners and there won't be any if people don't allow for differences.