Anderson introduced a resolution passed unanimously by the full council in May 2005 urging the state to conduct a review. The Kauai and Big Island councils passed similar measures.

The South Maui councilwoman testified in a hearing on whether the ferry should operate while the assessment is being performed.

Anderson said the ferry would make it easier for "a criminal element" from O'ahu to bring drugs and other problems to Maui.

"We don't want O'ahu's urban problems brought to Maui, not to mention drug dealers and criminals of all sorts," she said.

An environmental review would give county officials time to take measures to prepare for ferry visitors, such as hiring more police officers.

The Hawai'i Supreme Court last month ruled the state Department of Transportation erred in granting the harbor project an exemption to the state's environmental review law and ordered the agency to conduct the assessment.

The ruling led to a temporary restraining order that halted Hawaii Superferry service to Maui on Aug. 27 after only two round trips to Kahului Harbor. The state remains under a court order to keep the company from using the port while Judge Joseph Cardoza hears testimony on whether allowing the ferry to operate would cause irreparable harm.