Senate approves Hawaii Superferry bill

The Hawaii Senate on Monday approved a measure allowing Hawaii Superferry to return to interisland service while an environmental study on the ferry operation is conducted.
The compromise measure sets conditions on the Superferry to address environmental concerns, and creates an oversight task force to monitor the ferry.
The measure now goes to a hearing in the state House scheduled for Monday afternoon.
The Senate vote was 20-5, with five of the seven Neighbor Island senators voting "no." The senators, all Democrats, were Gary Hooser of Kauai; J. Kalani English, Shan Tsutsui, and Roz Baker of Maui; and Russell Kokubun of the Big Island.
Fourteen senators also voted "aye" with reservations on the Superferry measure.
The Superferry vessel Alakai has been prevented by a Maui Circuit Court order since late August from docking at Maui's Kahului Harbor. Protests at that time also prevented the ferry from docking at Kauai's Nawiliwili Harbor.
Gov. Linda Lingle ordered the state Legislature into special session Oct. 24 to craft legislation overturning the court decision and allowing Superferry to resume operations while an environmental study is conducted on harbor improvements.