Will Hawaii Vacation Rentals Benefit from the new Superferry

There has been much controvery surrounding the Hawaii Superferry, scheduled to start service July 1, 2007, between the islands of Oahu, Maui and Kauai with added service to the Big Island in 2009. Arguments opposing the new ferry range from environmental issues associated with the harbors, possible travel of invasive species from island to island, concern over the saftety of the seasonal humpback whales and the potential for illegal drug traffic to move between islands. Information available on the Super Ferry Web Site shows that these issues are being addressed, and also the state senate bill approving an Environment Impact Study to go ahead, will also address these problems.
My question on this blog is Will Hawaii Vacation Rentals benefit from the superferry?
It is very likely that the locals might use the new super ferry more than tourists to the islands. Imagine if you are a crafts person, and live in Oahu, Maui or Kauai. The new super ferry will enable you to load up your van with all your goods and travel to one of the neighboring islands to attend craft fairs and swap meets. You probably will not choose to stay in a hotel because of the expense so chances are you will decide to search Hawaii Vacation Rentals, and rent from an owner for a more affordable accommodation. If you are a trades person and work is slow on Kauai, the ferry will enable you to put all your tools and equipment into your vehicle and take a job on Oahu, where there may be more opportunities for work. Perhaps your job will take a month or more so you may search for Oahu Monthly Vacation Rentals for great rates. Many local families like to get away to a different island for their vacations. The ferry will enable them to put their luggage, surf boards, pets, baby seats, cooler and other vacation necessities into their car with no airport hastle or picking up a rental car at their destination. Renting from an owner provides affordable accommodations on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii.

It may just be that the Hawaii Super Ferry will stimulate the local economy more than benefit tourists. A reason for this is the cheap interisland flights now available through Go, Hawaiian and Aloha airlines. Most tourists are only on the islands for a couple of weeks so may opt for a flight over a longer ferry ride. There are of course the snowbirds who come to Hawaii to escape the cold winters of Canada and the Northern US. The new super ferry might appeal to these "Kama aina" tourists, as they will have more time to explore the other islands. More than likely these snowbirds will opt for Hawaii Vacation Rentals over hotels for accommodations on the islands.

We invite you to express your opinion on today's topic. Will Hawaii Vacation Rentals Benefit from the new Superferry?