Mufi Hannemann said Monday if he is elected governor, he will push to get the Hawaii Superferry back in island waters.

"It is just too good an idea to let it go by the wayside. Those who had the experience of utilizing the Superferry loved it," said Hannemann.

Hawaii Superferry vessel Alakai and her sister ship, Huakai, are expected be put on the auction block in Mobile, Alabama, next month.

Each ship originally cost $85 million.

Hannemann said he is in preliminary talks with a group of private business people including some Hawaii investors interested in buying the two ferry vessels and returning them to the Hawaiian Islands.

"I want try to revive the Superferry," said Hannemann. "Let's at least try. If it can't be done, it can't be done."

The Hawaii Superferry declared bankruptcy May 30, 2009.

Superferry operations had already stopped in March 2009 after the Hawaii Supreme Court struck down a state law that had allowed the ferry to operate while its environmental impact was being prepared.

"I think it got off on the wrong foot," said Hannemann. "One of the biggest missteps was not doing the EIS first."

While the Superferry operated, residents of Kauai successfully blocked the vessel Alakai from entering Kauai's main harbor, Nawiliwili.