Why doesn't Hawaii have a successful ferry service connecting its islands despite Alaska having one?

Hawaii lacks a viable inter-island ferry service primarily due to economic constraints. Unlike Alaska, which funds its ferry system through natural resource revenue, Hawaii must rely on taxes for government funding. With already high tax burdens and a cost-of-living crisis, Hawaii cannot afford to heavily subsidize an unprofitable ferry service without making living costs even worse. Additionally, Hawaii faces unique challenges with ferry operations, including rough waters and environmental concerns. The state's economy depends heavily on low-paying tourism and military jobs (primarily on Oahu), creating a difficult economic landscape where many locals struggle with high housing costs despite lower median incomes compared to other states.