Several activists from Kaua'i held a news conference yesterday outside the state Capitol to explain their concerns about Hawaii Superferry.

Some asked Gov. Linda Lingle to tell the Superferry to suspend service until the state completes an environmental assessment ordered by the state Supreme Court.

Others warned about the ferry's potential impact on Kaua'i's culture and its fish and wildlife.

"The Superferry will bring hundreds of people, and we are not ready to accept all of them," said Kalehua Ham Young, a kupuna and cultural practitioner.

Environmentalists lost in Kaua'i court on Friday when a judge denied their request for a temporary restraining order to keep the ferry from Nawiliwili Harbor.

A hearing on an injunction against Superferry operations on Kaua'i is scheduled for Sept. 17.

Kalalea Ka'uhane-Torio, 12, said he was detained by authorities last month after jumping into the harbor with his bodyboard to protest the ferry.

"I'm not here to protest against the Superferry once more," he said. "I'm here to ask you to do your homework like I did. Every action has a reaction. We don't want any war, we just want respect for the 'aina."

Mehana Blaich Vaughan, a teacher and student, said the Superferry is similar to building a highway between the islands.

"People always ask us what makes the Hawaii Superferry different," she said. "To us, it's the first time in Hawai'i's history that people and their cars have been able to move together simultaneously."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.