Updated at 3:12 p.m., Thursday, October 25, 2007
Ferry CEO says it needs Legislature's help
Advertiser Staff
John Garibaldi, Hawaii Superferry's president and chief executive officer, told state representatives this afternoon that the Superferry could sail within seven to 10 days after the Legislature passes a bill to allow the Superferry to operate while the state conducts an environmental impact statement.Garibaldi said the company accepts the Supreme Court's ruling requiring an environmental impact statement, which could take a year or more.
"But we cannot live with the uncertainty or the time delay it presents ... without the relief that is before you today for your consideration.
"No business can stop operations for such a long time and survive," he said.
Rep. Sharon Har, D-40th (Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei), asked Garibaldi what the Superferry would do if another lawsuit is filed and a court again bars the Superferry from operating.
"I think we'd set sail for California right then, to be quite blunt," Garibaldi said.
In response to a follow-up question from Marcus Oshiro, D-39th (Wahiawa), Garibaldi said, "I don't think our investors would support sticking around. I apologize for my use of saying we'd be off to California. ... We would definitely need to search out other revenue opportunities."
