Possible space tourism to be launched in Hawaii

Space pioneers dream of sending Hawaii tourists from the land up to the stars, transforming island-hopping into new levels.

Hawaii could be the very first spot where travellers can ride the planes for a real journey. Expert planners see the planes starting to take off in a particular place, journeying across space, then make a landing to another area, travelling from the Big Island up to Oahu. Within 10 years, space travellers could do island-hopping from Hawaii to the country of Japan within a mere 45 minutes.

Promoters also assure a unique view while soaring through the sky.

"Flying down the Hawaii island chain, it's a completely different view of the planet than you'll see when you launch from landlocked states", stated Chuck Lauer, the vice president of Rocketplane Global. "It's the blue planet view of the world."

Officials of Hawaii's tourism acknowledge the potential for inviting travellers with the guarantee of enjoying space travel; however, it is quite unclear if Gov. Linda Lingle will announce the licensing money during a period when the state is having big budget issues and probable government personnel layoffs. A new ruling authorises the state of Hawaii to spend about $500,000, to be used for a spaceport license which will be issued by federal government. This is the very first step toward legalising commercial space tour from the said islands.

With a bill landing on 6 or 7 figures, I at least expect to also find the outside world creature like Avatar or so.