Tavares Responds to Superferry Ruling

By Wendy Osher

The Hawaii Superferry is ceasing operations for now between Oahu and Maui following a ruling against the company yesterday. Under the ruling, Act 2 which allowed the ferry to operate prior to the completion of an EIS, was deemed unconstitutional because the legislation was specific to the company, and therefore considered a special law.

Hawaii Superferry. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares responded to the ruling saying it is not unexpected. Tavares said early compliance would have benefited both the environment and today’s small businesses that utilize the Superferry. Tavares said that while having a variety of transportation options is important, it is equally important to follow laws meant to safeguard our communities.

Superferry officials say because a judgment on appeal has not been entered, the decision to stop operations for now is the prudent thing to do. The Superferry will make one additional round trip this Thursday to get vehicles back to their homes.

The company was in the process of calling customers with near term bookings, but also offered numbers for customers to call for assistance or immediate service. Those numbers are: 1-877-443-3779 or 1-808-853-4007.