WAILUKU, Maui — The Hawaii Superferry continued its pitch to a Maui Circuit Court judge yesterday, stressing how the new interisland transport would benefit farmers, small businesses, union members, the disabled and the state's civil defense forces.

The testimony was meant to persuade Judge Joseph Cardoza that keeping the ferry tied up at dock during an environmental assessment would be worse than any potential harm that might occur if the vessel were allowed to resume operations.

Today, Gov. Linda Lingle will meet with Kaua'i residents to discuss their concerns about the Superferry ahead of its return to that island next week. In August, protesters in Nawiliwili Harbor prevented the Superferry from entering Kaua'i, and Lingle has said it will return Wednesday.

The strongest pitch for the ferry yesterday in the Maui court came from Brig. Gen. Gary Ishikawa, deputy adjutant general for the state Department of Defense, who said the 350-foot, high-speed catamaran would provide a quick and efficient response to natural disasters.

Because the vessel can transport a battalion of 600 to 700 soldiers, equipment, supplies and 200 vehicles in a single trip, "I can roll right off the Hawaii Superferry and start operations immediately," Ishikawa said.

He said that Civil Defense and National Guard forces in Hawai'i are wholly dependent on air transport, and there is no single mode that can move personnel, supplies and equipment together at one time.

"We have a lot of resources but the key is moving them at the same time and being operational when we arrive at the scene of the disaster," he said.

The Hawai'i Supreme Court last month ordered the state Department of Transportation to perform an environmental assessment, ruling the agency erred in granting ferry-related projects at Kahului Harbor an exemption from environmental review laws. In the wake of the ruling, Cardoza banned the ferry from the Maui port until he can decide whether to allow the company to resume service while the assessment is done.

Ishikawa said the ferry should be allowed to operate during the assessment process. Keeping the vessel running during that time would ensure the ferry and its crew are ready to go if needed in emergencies, he said.

"If you let a piece of equipment sit, it lowers your confidence that equipment will be available when you need it," Ishikawa said.

SUFFICIENT TRANSPORT

When questioned by attorney Isaac Hall, representing three groups that have been pushing for the environmental review, Ishikawa agreed that Civil Defense and the National Guard have sufficient air transport and were able to adequately mobilize for recent emergencies such as last year's flooding on O'ahu and Kaua'i and the Big Island earthquake.

Hall also reiterated his continuing objection to testimony that deals with any economic or nonenvironmental harm that may arise if the ferry is not allowed to operate during the assessment. The attorney has argued the judge cannot consider such factors when deciding whether to keep the ferry out of Kahului Harbor.

Cardoza so far has allowed the testimony, saying he will consider Hall's objection later in the hearing, which is in its second week and is expected to run into next week.

JOB LAYOFFS FEARED

Also testifying yesterday was Brian Powell of the Seafarers International Union in Honolulu, who said 75 Superferry workers are represented by the union. He said that if the ferry isn't allowed to resume Maui service, it is likely that layoffs would follow.

He said the company provides "good jobs, good pay for the people of Hawai'i."

Michael Borelli of Ohana Steel Buildings and Kula vegetable farmer Warren Watanabe testified how the ferry would benefit their respective Maui businesses. Borelli said it would allow him to pack up his truck with samples and other loads and travel to other islands, instead of having to crate up his materials and ship them via barge.

Watanabe, who heads the Maui County Farm Bureau, said the ferry would allow farmers to accompany their produce and flowers to farmers markets on O'ahu and other outlets for direct sales. He said the ferry offers daily service, while Young Brothers provides three weekly barge sailings.

Hall pointed out that both men have been operating successful businesses without the Superferry. If the ferry is delayed for the environmental assessment, Watanabe agreed that farmers would still be able to get their crops to other islands.

Hall also noted the company is offering only a single roundtrip per day, meaning Borelli and Watanabe would have to stay overnight if they traveled off-island. The attorney suggested the ferry is not as convenient for businesspeople as it sounds.

BOAT CONVENIENCE

Hawaii Superferry initially will provide a single roundtrip each from Honolulu to Maui and Honolulu to Kaua'i. A second vessel is expected to go into service in 2009, allowing the company to serve the Big Island and provide two Maui trips daily.

Steve Gilbert of 'Aiea said air travel is difficult because he suffers from a respiratory ailment that requires him to have a ready oxygen supply. He said he avoids traveling because of the embarrassment of having to sometimes use a wheelchair and the hassle of arranging for oxygen at his destination.

That wouldn't be the case on the Superferry, according to Gilbert. He traveled to Maui on the vessel Aug. 26 and was able to wear his oxygen pack with a shoulder strap "under my jacket and nobody knew I had it."

Gilbert is also the owner of a 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King who is looking forward to touring the Neighbor Islands. If he were to ship his motorcycle by barge, Gilbert said he would have to empty its fluids and crate it. On the ferry, he can drive it on board and tie it down himself.

The hearing continues at 10 a.m. today.

Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.