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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Saturday, March 12, 2005

Maui council supports impact study for ferry

Advertiser Staff

WAILUKU, Maui — The Maui County Council yesterday approved a resolution urging the state Department of Transportation to conduct an environmental impact statement for the Hawai'i Superferry.

The Maui council joins the Kaua'i County Council, Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and others who want a full-blown environmental study to assess the potential impacts of the interisland ferry system. The state Legislature is considering a $40 million appropriation for harbor upgrades needed for it.

Hawai'i Superferry CEO John Garibaldi said requiring a lengthy impact-study process would kill the project. June 30 is the "drop-dead date" by which all government approvals should be in place, allowing a $162 million order for two vessels to go through and assuring investors the project has the green light, he said.

State transportation officials have decided that an environmental impact statement is not required, and the state Legislature last week shelved a bill requiring a study.