Young Brothers and its dedicated employees believe in our obligation to serve Hawaii and we are sensitive to events affecting island residents. Specifically, we sympathize with those affected by recent Hawaii Superferry developments. Contrary to the perception of some, many good relationships exist between Superferry and YB.

We have often read media coverage of Superferry containing inaccurate statements and comparisons involving Young Brothers. Although we generally prefer to overlook these cases and although Superferry has discontinued services for now, we feel compelled to address errors expressed in The Maui News articles on March 22 and 26 about environmental reviews and YB services and rates.

All improvements at YB facilities must comply with the state's environmental review process. Any new use of state property or funds "triggers" an environmental review.

YB occupies harbor property owned by the state Department of Transportation. Because YB has operated for decades, and because DOT periodically conducts harbor master plans and environmental reviews, YB's use of harbor facilities have consistently been covered by such DOT reviews. Any YB facility improvements not covered under a master plan would trigger an environmental review.

Many try to compare YB's services and rates with Superferry's. Although both transport vehicles, there are important differences. YB ships only the vehicle as part of a larger cargo service business. Young Brothers is not a passenger service that requires drivers to accompany vehicles. Superferry is clearly a better fit for persons wishing to accompany their vehicles, just as those not wishing to travel with their vehicle or cargo prefer YB.

Although these differences in services make rate comparison less meaningful, published - not promotional - fares show that YB sometimes costs less to move a vehicle, considering Superferry's driver requirement. YB's rate is, however, currently higher for passenger vehicles that exceed 17 feet, but YB is seeking Public Utilities Commission approval to expand YB's "automobile" definition so that vehicles up to 20 feet get a lower rate.

Similarly, it is difficult to compare the services and pricing of airlines, barges and ferries. Timothy Dick, a Superferry founder recently wrote that Superferry was created because "Hawaii needed an affordable maritime transportation option to serve the need between flying and the barge."

YB provides next-day service. We load our barges during the day, sail overnight, and arrive the next morning. Depending on the cargo, you can drop-off at YB one day and pick up at another YB port the next day.

For years, YB has assisted local farmers with refrigeration services and extremely reasonable rates. A customer can ship 400 pounds of produce for about $30. YB has had a 30 percent discount for local agricultural products since 1995, and we have similar discount rates for farming supplies like feed and fertilizer.

Customers drop off perishable cargo in refrigerated containers - Young Brothers' equipment or the shipper's - on pallets or in boxes, which YB stevedores load into refrigerated containers. Either way, all cargo is "plugged in" while in YB's care.

We appreciate this opportunity to set the record straight. Additional answers to frequently asked questions about Young Brothers and its services are on the company's Web site at www.youngbrothershawaii.com/yb/frequentlyaskedquestions.

* Roy Catalani is vice president of strategic planning and government affairs at Young Brothers Ltd. Young Brothers provides interisland cargo service between ports at Honolulu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Hilo, Kawaihae and Kauai.