Court Prevents Superferry from Serving Maui
Maui Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza ruled today to keep the Hawaii Superferry from sailing until an environmental study is competed. Whether this ruling also prevents the Alakai from serving Kauai is still unclear.
The judge said Hawaii law clearly requires an environmental review before the Superferry can operate at Kahului Harbor. He also found that if it travels before a review, it could pose real threat to endangered species and even the neighbor island’s way of life. State officials have estimated that the environmental review will take at least eight months.
Superferry officials have stated that the business is losing $650,000 for each week they are not permitted to sail and that if not allowed to operate the service while the environmental review is conducted, the ferry would be forced to leave Hawaii and seek opportunities elsewhere. Superferry made it clear today they will appeal the ruling.
Meanwhile state leaders are considering a special legislative session to consider a possible exemption allowing the Superferry to operate while the environmental review is conducted.
