The state Senate approved the bill 20-5 on Monday, so it now goes to Gov. Linda Lingle, who is expected to sign it into law.

The House vote was the finale of an extraordinary special session of the Legislature to respond to the Superferry controversy. Lingle had called lawmakers back into session to overturn court rulings and save the project.

The bill places operating conditions on ferry service to protect whales and other marine life, prevent the spread of invasive species and preserve cultural and natural resources. It also provides liability protection for the state from lawsuits by Superferry over delays in ferry service, although Superferry can bring future claims.

The bill overturns a Maui court ruling last month that blocked Superferry from using Kahului Harbor until the state completes an environmental review. The state Supreme Court ruled in August that the state was in error in February 2005 when it exempted the project from an environmental assessment.

Environmental groups on Maui brought the legal challenge that has stopped the project at Kahului Harbor for the past two months. Protesters on Kaua'i caused Superferry to voluntarily suspend service to Nawiliwili Harbor.

"I'm glad the Legislature worked cooperatively to preserve this important transportation alternative for the people of Hawaii," Gov. Linda Lingle said in a statement this afternoon.

John Garibaldi, the president and CEO of Superferry, said after the House vote that he hopes to resume service by Nov. 15.