The session will start tomorrow at 9 a.m. The state Senate has scheduled a public hearing on a Superferry bill for 10:30 a.m. in the state Capitol auditorium. The state House plans to hold a hearing at 9 a.m. Thursday in the state Capitol auditorium.

State House and Senate leaders say they believe they have majority support for a bill that allows the Superferry to resume operations while the state conducts an environmental impact statement. Several senators, however, have said they would consider amendments to a draft bill after hearing from Neighbor Island residents in three days of informational briefings.

The amendments will likely involve specific operating conditions that Lingle would impose on Superferry and changes to the makeup of an oversight task force. Lawmakers also said that Superferry may have concerns about language in the draft that would protect the state from lawsuits by Superferry because of delays to the project.

EXTENDED SENTENCING BILL

The extended sentencing bill would be to respond to the state Supreme Court's ruling this month that the state's law is unconstitutional because judges, instead of juries, determine the factors that lead to longer prison terms.

The Senate will also consider three of Lingle's Cabinet appointments, a nomination for judge on the Intermediate Court of Appeals, and dozens of nominations for boards and commissions.

"I appreciate the bipartisan cooperation of both the Senate President and House Speaker, together with their members, to find an acceptable solution that is in the best interest of all the people of Hawai'i," Lingle said in a statement. "The majority of the people across our state want this important transportation option, and I am pleased that we have worked collaboratively to find a way to allow the service to continue while an environmental impact statement is conducted and concerns are addressed.

"This special session is not just about one company or one vessel, it is about the long-term economic well-being of our state; and about giving our residents, farmers and civil defense agencies options when traveling between the islands," the statement said. "Allowing this transportation alternative to resume will also restore the reputation of our state as a fair place to do business."

101 NOMINEES UP FOR CONFIRMATION

During the session, the Senate will also consider the confirmation of 101 Lingle nominees, including three department directors, a judge and various board and commission members, a news release said.

The nominees include three department heads who have been serving on an interim basis: Laura H. Thielen, Department of Land and Natural Resources; Clayton Frank, Department of Public Safety; and Darwin Ching, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Two other nominees are Ron Terry, head of the State health Planning and Development Agency, and Les Kondo, who was appointed to the Public Utilities Commission, the release said.

Also facing confirmation is Circuit Court Judge Randal Lee, nominated to fill a vacancy on the Immediate Court of Appeals.

See the full list of NOMINEES.