There was some good news as the state Legislature wrapped up its work this session. Among the measures that went to the governor's desk was a bill that will pave the way for much-needed improvements at state harbors.

As The Advertiser's Andrew Gomes reported, the state Legislature cleared a bill that would make Aloha Tower Development Corp. the development arm of the state Department of Transportation's Harbor's Division.

The ATDC will lead the effort on harbor improvements over a six-year period, totaling $842 million. It's a vital project, and the transportation department must ensure the ATDC is up to the task.

The DOT and the major harbor users — Matson Navigation Co., Horizon Lines, Young Brothers, Hawaii Superferry among them — warn that without necessary upgrades our harbors will run out of space in three years.

That's a troubling sign. Our harbors serve as one of our most important lifelines, providing transport for about 80 percent of consumer goods.

The bulk of the planned improvements, just over $345 million, will rightly go to Maui's Kahului Harbor, which has seen a tremendous increase in harbor traffic.

Honolulu Harbor is slated for a $257.3 million facelift, including a deep-draft wharf berth and a 70-acre container yard. The Big Island will see $87.8 million in improvements for its Kawaihae Harbor; and Kaua'i's Nawiliwili Harbor will see $10.3 million in upgrades.

To fund the upgrades, harbor tariffs are expected to increase, a reality recognized by harbor users themselves. And those fees will ultimately be passed along to consumers.

But Hawai'i's harbor fees have not increased since 1995 and lag behind other Mainland cities, according to experts. Considering the growth in usage, and the clear need for repairs and expansion, allowing fees to lag for so long is poor fiscal policy.

Our harbors are a vital part of our economy and our lifeline. It's up to the state to ensure the upgrades are done in a sensible way that benefit both the economy and our island community.