Stalled Superferry may give up on Hawaii

WAILUKU, Hawaii — The Hawaii Superferry would almost certainly have to leave the state if it isn't allowed to resume operations soon, company CEO John Garibaldi testified in a Maui court. Garibaldi told the Circuit Court that the Superferry is losing more than $650,000 a week by not sailing between Honolulu, Maui and Kauai. If the ferry can't resume service and operate at usual speeds, it won't make enough money and will have to look for opportunities elsewhere, he said Thursday.

Garibaldi testified at a hearing to determine whether the high-speed ferry can use Maui's Kahului Harbor while an environmental assessment is conducted. The hearing was to continue today.

Hawaii Superferry launched service for Honolulu, Maui and Kauai on Aug. 26. But the company had to suspend its voyages the following day due to anti-ferry protests on Kauai and a Maui court order saying the state must conduct an environmental review for the service.

Meanwhile, The Honolulu Advertiser reported two federal agencies raised concerns two years ago that the Hawaii Superferry's high-speed vessels could harm humpback whales and other marine mammals.

The National Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine Mammal Commission were especially worried the ferry might hit humpback whales.

Both agencies concluded that the U.S. Maritime Administration, which guaranteed loans to the Superferry for the construction of two catamarans, should consult marine resource regulators to ensure the service didn't threaten the whales. The administration replied no such consultations were needed.

The U.S. Maritime Administration approved a $140 million loan guarantee to Hawaii Superferry on Jan. 21, 2005, for construction of the two 350-foot high-speed catamarans.

Shortly after, the Marine Mammal Commission sent a letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service expressing surprise the Maritime Administration had not consulted federal agencies about the potential impact the ferry might have on humpback whales and monk seals. Both are endangered species.

The commission's executive director, David Cottingham, said the high-speed vessel's "potential for injury of and disturbance to humpback whales and other species is clear."

He added any federal agency taking action on behalf of the Superferry "has an obligation to conduct appropriate environmental analyses (under federal laws) ... because a 'may affect' situation is obvious."