Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Travel / Outdoors


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published October 30, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 30, 2007 at 2:01 PM

E-mail article     Print view

Hawaii Superferry could sail again

Even the Hawaii Superferry's strongest opponents are acknowledging that it will be sailing soon after the state Senate approved a bill putting...

The Associated Press

Information

Hawaii Superferry: www.hawaiisuperferry.com

HONOLULU — Even the Hawaii Superferry's strongest opponents are acknowledging that it will be sailing soon after the state Senate approved a bill putting it back in service.

Senators voted 20-5 to approve a bill Monday that allows the Superferry to sail from Oahu to Maui and Kauai without having to first complete an environmental study that courts have ruled is required by law. The ferry stopped sailing in late August because of court rulings and protests.

"It is inevitable that this bill or some version of it will pass," said Sen. Gary Hooser, D-Kauai-Niihau, speaking to the Legislature before voting against it. "This issue has drained our spirit and divided our community. It is time now for all of us to move on."

The compromise measure sets several conditions on the Superferry, a high-speed catamaran ferry that can carry up to 866 passengers and 282 vehicles, requiring it to make efforts to avoid whales and slow the spread of invasive species between the islands.

But it largely excludes provisions demanded by some environmentalists who wanted the Superferry to slow down in waters used by whales and wash cars before boarding.

A House committee is considering this version of the bill. A vote in favor of it would signal a consensus in the Legislature on the Superferry, and it could resume sailing in about two weeks. All that would be left would be for the full House of Representatives to vote on it and Gov. Linda Lingle to sign it into law.

The proposal puts Lingle in charge of creating and enforcing environmental rules for the Superferry so that it doesn't collide with endangered humpback whales, spread invasive species or result in excessive traffic.

Lingle, a Republican, told representatives she'll prepare those regulations soon after the bill is passed. Superferry officials have already said they'll withdraw their threat to leave the islands if this version of the bill is approved.

"

Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

More Travel headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

advertising

NEW - 11:33 AM
Get ready for Thanksgiving flight delays, thanks to New York

UPDATE - 12:30 PM
Biofuel used on Boeing 747 flight

Banff: powder, peaks & purity

Thanksgiving travel plans expected to grow slightly

Ask Travel: A free day in Prague

Advertising

Video

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup
Real Salt Lake defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy with penalty kicks after 120 minutes of play at Qwest Field in Seattle.

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field
Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Full interview with New Moon actors

Marketplace

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

nwautos

Less is more: Group rides, good gas mileage have led to a scooter swarm in Seattlenew
Local riders say they've seen a surge in scooter interest in recent years, mostly from people wanting another commuting option. Seattle now ranks as o...
Post a comment

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising