EDITORIAL
D.C. support of air service is intriguing

It has long been apparent that our interisland airline service is, in many ways, closer to a utility than a commercial transportation operation.

The airlines insist they have a difficult time making a profit on interisland flights. Recent consolidation of flight schedules and increases in ticket prices may have eased that situation somewhat, but it is still a tough go.

At the same time, the airlines will remind us that their service is a vital component of Hawai'i's economy. For all practical purposes, they are the only way for passengers and much freight — particularly perishable freight — to move between islands.

So Gov. Linda Lingle's recent statement that she intends to seek federal help to subsidize the cost of interisland air travel makes a certain amount of sense.

Uncle Sam is already deeply in the business of subsidizing the movement of goods and people on the Mainland through, among other efforts, the interstate highway system.

Nonetheless, the idea faces an uphill fight. For starters, Washington might argue that Hawai'i already enjoys the benefits of the interstate highway system (H-1, H-2 and H-3) as well as our network of airports and harbors, which receive federal support.

Hawai'i's best hope is to make an argument that our situation is unique: We are the only archipelago state and are uniquely dependent on air service for daily transport of goods and people.

The interstate system on O'ahu is of no value to residents of the Neighbor Islands.

Going forward, however, we must also be prepared for the possibility of additional levels of outside control or mandates on air service if we accept federal subsidies. In fact, this could be a first step toward conversion of local air service into a form of a regulated public utility.

It would be a mistake to drive off down that road without far more conversation of the pros and cons of converting interisland air service into a public utility.

While the Lingle administration explores the possibility of financial help in Washington, D.C., it is important that we sharpen the debate over the future of interisland service here at home.