Court Okay’s Superferry Trips
Maui Circuit Court Judge Joseph Cardoza ruled today to lift the injunction preventing the Hawaii Superferry from sailing. Judge Cardoza’s ruling was in response to a new law passed by the Hawaii State Legislature allowing the Hawaiian Superferry to operate while an environmental review is conducted.
The judge had ruled earlier that Hawaii law clearly required an environmental review before the Superferry could operate at Kahului Harbor. In response the Hawaii Legislature at the urging of Governor Linda Lingle met in special session and passed a law, that was signed by the Governor, allowing the Hawaiian Superferry to operate during the period of environmental review.
Superferry officials indicated that it will take about two weeks to rehire furloughed workers and resume service from Honolulu to Maui and Kauai. They expect to publish a new schedule of operation on their website in a few days.
The Hawaiian Superferry has attracted considerable controversy, particularly on the neighbor islands. Concerns over increased traffic, transmission of invasive species, Humpback whale collisions and other factors prompted the environmental review requirement. Many local residents, particularly on Kauai, are very opposed to the Superferry and some have vowed civil disobedience in an effort to stop the interisland service.
If you are inclined to take a trip on the Superferry, our advice is to wait for feelings to cool down a bit before booking.
