Updated at 5:08 p.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Hawaii Superferry ruling expected this afternoon
By Christie Wilson
Advertiser Neighbor Island Editor
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At that time, Maui Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza is expected to announce his decision on a motion by the company and the state to dissolve a court injunction that has kept the ferry from operating to Maui since Aug. 27.
In this morning's court session, Cardoza heard arguments from state Attorney General Mark Bennett and Wailuku attorney Isaac Hall, who is representing three groups pushing for an environmental review before the ferry can resume service.
Hawaii Superferry President and CEO John Garibaldi, who is attending the hearing, told The Advertiser today that if the injunction is lifted, the company would announce a startup date by week's end.
He said it would take about two weeks to rehire furloughed workers and gear back up to provide service between Honolulu, Maui and Kaua'i.
The injunction is the ferry's last legal hurdle. The Legislature and Gov. Linda Lingle two weeks ago passed a law that allows the ferry to operate while an environmental review is conducted, essentially reversing a court ruling requiring the assessment before the start of operations.
