The Last Reminder of an Inter-Island Transportation

Photo byBraden WagneronUnsplash

The Hawaii Superferry used to be another option for inter-island travel. I never rode on the Hawaii Superferry, but I liked the idea of more ways for people to travel between the neighboring islands.

It's always better for the consumer when they have more options. The short-lived Hawaii Superferry was in operation from 2007 - 2009. The dispute was because of the environmental impact study. People, organizations, and companies who advocated for the closure got their wish.

The last Hawaii Superferry ramp is still at the Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai. It will cost $249,000 to remove the ramp. With the news of Alaska Airlines purchasing Hawaiian Airlines, the inter-island airfares will undoubtedly increase.

The state is back to two main airlines people must choose: Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The low prices from Southwest Airlines will no longer be low either. The state had an opportunity to give residents and visitors another travel option in 2007. Unfortunately, they missed the chance to create another mode of inter-island transportation besides air travel.

Instead, the state must pay a company to remove the Superferry ramp many could have used to travel inter-island. The Superferry would have served the residents of Hawaii better than the current boondoggle project called the Honolulu Rail Transit, Skyline.