Something worth celebrating: The prospects for an interisland ferry appear to be revving up.

The federal district court yielded the right-of-way to Hawai'i Superferry, the company planning the long-awaited service. Last week U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor found there was no legal reason to insist that the company study the environmental impact of the daily runs between Honolulu and Maui, Kaua'i and the Big Island. This means the financing arrangements for the service can be completed and, fortunately, that a start date in early 2007 seems reasonable again.

The federal Maritime Administration has approved a loan guarantee for the project, and the law excludes such projects from EIS requirements, according to Gillmor's ruling.

Of course, that doesn't invalidate the environmental concerns raised by the Sierra Club and others who filed the suit. The introduction of alien species and pests throughout the islands is a real concern, and everyone wants protection for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

But Hawai'i Superferry seems to have thought through these issues. It is following established trade routes and will alter that route during whale season. Dockside inspections and cleaning of muddy vehicles, as well as planned plant and animal restrictions, should minimize this risk. Other concerns unrelated to the lawsuit, including provisions for security, also have been addressed in the preliminary plans and must be hammered out as soon as possible.

Lawmakers have provided the $40 million needed for harbor improvements, and the state will need to see that work proceeds on schedule. Now they need to map out ways to manage the transport of people and cars to avoid compounding traffic problems, particularly on O'ahu.

None of these issues should be seen as barricades.