HONOLULU -- Officials with the Hawaii Superferry announced on Tuesday afternoon that it will begin laying off workers in the wake of the state Supreme Court's ruling on Monday.

The justices ruled against a law, Act 2, passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Linda Lingle that allowed the Superferry to operate without completing an environmental study.

The company said it would begin laying off workers, but it did not say how many.

Here is the company's written statement:

"In light of the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision that Act 2 was unconstitutional, Hawaii Superferry has suspended operations, with the exception of a voyage this Thursday to bring our customers and stranded vehicles back to their home ports.

With operations currently suspended, we unfortunately have to start releasing employees beginning Friday, March 20. Total employment at HSF is 161 full and part time employees and 75 contracted employees.

These are exceptional people who have been valued members of our company. Anyone who has sailed on Alakai can attest to their competence and Aloha to our customers.

Hawaii Superferry is working with the Department of Labor's Rapid Response team to provide our employees with relocation assistance."

Superferry officials would not appear on camera on Tuesday to answer the big question on whether the Superferry is out of Hawaii for good.

The Hawaii Superferry employs about 250 people, most of them on Oahu.

The state Labor Department said it is scheduled to be at the Superferry from 9 a.m. until noon on Friday to counsel workers who have been laid off.

Labor Department officials said they have been told employee layoffs involve 106 Superferry employees on Oahu, 40 on Maui and less than 20 on Kauai, as well as 75 contracted employees with Hornblower Marine Services.

"We are planning on providing our services for abut 200 people," Labor Department spokesman Ryan Markham said.

Labor officials will provide packets to let Superferry employees know how to file for unemployment and to retain their medical insurance.

"Friday is the last day for the workers so we are going to provide the services at their headquarters," said Elaine Young of the state Workforce Development Division.

The Superferry's last voyage is scheduled for Thursday to bring customers and stranded vehicles back to their homeports.