Aloha `Oe

Yesterday's headlines broadcasted news the Hawai`i Superferry would cease operations after the Hawai`i Supreme Court ruled against a 2007 law which allowed to company to operate without completing required environmental studies. Fast forward to today and one will see a headline reading "Hawaii Superferry to start laying off workers as of tomorrow."

Currently the $250 million dollar company plans of laying off 236 workers and will cease operations. It is unclear what course of action the company will take. A few options include ceasing operations indefinantely, filing an appeal with the Supreme Court, waiting for the environmental impact study to be completed, or using the Alaka`i (the catameran) outside of the state.

What is known is the Alaka`i will be making one trip back to Maui to return stranded customers, and their cars, home. The company will also offer refunds to passengers scheduled for future sales. As for the company and its employees, there are many emotions. Not only will the loss of the Superferry equal substantial jobs loss in the islands, the closure will mean the end of a project which so many have come to care for and love.

For those who have been with the Superferry since the beginning, it is very difficult. The loss of jobs will mean an influx in Hawai`i unemployment rate. The State has said it will help former employees transition into new employment however, with the job market being as tight as it is, few are optimistic.

In short, loss of the Supeferry will affect Hawai`i dramatically. Again there will be limited means of travel between the islands, less options for visitors and locals alike. Massive job losses will be seen on all hub islands and relocation of former employess will be a daunting, if not, impossible task.

Hopefully the Superferry will decide on a course of action soon and for the sake of the islands, I hope the decision is to fight. Locals have become used to depending on the Superferry for a mode of transportation and the impact on the population will be huge. Let the company operate and see what the impact study says when it is finished. What better way to gain information for the study than to allow the company to operate as it will. I think people need to sit back, relax, forget the options they have formed and look at the bigger picture. Let the Superferry stay for the sake of them and of the islands.