HONOLULU -- The Superferry's attempt to start service to Kauai last year was disastrous. The issue polarized residents of the tiny garden isle.

On Friday, Kauai's mayoral candidates spoke about the Superferry's future for the island.

"We are a state separated by ocean but connected by families, connected by business," candidate Bernard Carvalho said. "There are a lot of people, like me, who have family who would like to come home but can't. So that's the bottom line -- there needs to be another method of transportation.

Carvalho said he supports the Superferry, but wants to review the results of an environmental study, among other things.

"Also, I want to make sure on the operations side that the screening is done well, when the cars come in there is a lot of questions about the movement of vehicles between islands," Carvalho said.

Carvalho said, "As mayor I would work closely to make sure there is a solid screening process in place that they meet all the environmental rules and regulations and everything is in line with the procedures and that's where I'm at."

On the other hand, opponent JoAnn Yukimura said she is taking a closer look at the pros and cons of the Superferry.

"I would like to see the benefits of the Superferry to come to fruition for Kauai. I believe ocean transport is a good alternative that we need to look at but only if we can reduce the impacts of invasive species, drugs, cultural theft overloading of our parks and it's the responsibility of the mayor to make sure those needs are met. I have not met anyone who wants the Superferry and wants those negative impacts," Yukimura said.

She said she wishes the Superferry was more energy efficient.

"I have seen models now of ocean transport ships with sails and photovoltaic to minimize energy costs. I know they are not passing on the energy costs right now and when they do I am not sure they will be much different from airline fares," Yukimura said. "They need to come to work with us before the come back. I think it's very useful for us to see how they do as their transport to Maui and back and so forth," Yukimura said.

Next week KITV will a look at the mayor candidates running to replace Harry Kim as Mayor of the Big Island.