MAUI TRIES TO STOP SUPERFERRY RETURN
WAILUKU -- Hawai`i Superferry opponents filed an appeal today of a court decision that has allowed the 350-foot ferry to operate while the state prepares an environmental assessment of ferry-related Kahului Harbor improvements.
The Maui Tomorrow Foundation, Sierra Club and the Kahului Harbor Coalition have successfully argued in court that an environmental assessment is required for the ferry.
Now the ferry opponents contend that Act 2 unconstitutionally circumvents Hawai`i's environmental law and is aimed at helping a single business.
"It was special legislation, and we felt it was not a correct interpretation of Hawai`i's environmental law," said Irene Bowie, executive director of Maui Tomorrow.
Because of damage to an auxiliary rudder, the Superferry's Alakai has been in drydock for weeks and is not expected to return to service until March 25.
"Once Hawai`i Superferry is out of drydock and begins to operate, the threat of actual irreparable harm to multiple endangered and protected resources returns," said plaintiff attorney Isaac Hall.
