HONOLULU -- The Hawaii Superferry Saturday laid off 240 employees as it prepares to shut down operations in Hawaii for the time being.

On Monday, the state Supreme Court ruled the law that allowed the Superferry to operate while the state completes its environmental review unconstitutional, halting the ferry in its tracks.

While Superferry employees were laid off Saturdayn there was an interesting new development.

The state said it is going to do a complete environmental impact review for the Superferry.

The new review will take four to six months. But it could open the door for the Superferry to resume operations in the future.

While the Superferry sat immobile, there was a frenzy of activity at the terminal as laid-off employees came and went after hearing from the state on how to apply for unemployment.

Molly Kahele, 54, inspected vehicles for the ferry.

"I am really concerned because I just got laid off and this is my primary job, but to find something at my age is a little bit difficult," Kahele said.

Assistant engineer Mario Shinzato helped bring the Superferry here from Mobile, Ala., two years ago.

"I think it is very unfortunate," Shinzato said. "For my position, I will probably have to move to the mainland, so that's what we are going to do."

But there was a glimmer of hope.

Some laid-off employees said the Superferry told them Saturday it may be back in touch in two month when it knows more about the possibility of resuming service here with its second ship.

The Superferry's second ship has just been completed and is sitting in Mobile.

"Hopefully if and when the boat comes next year -- if it still does, I am not sure it is -- I am hoping to go back there. I really like it. It was a good job," said Sherry Uehara.

Uehara was laid off as a steward.

"It is a sad, depressing thing," Uehara said.

Laid-off cabin attendant Leeann Toro said she also hopes the ferry service will resume.

"They just said they are 'waiting to see what goes on; give us a couple of months,'" Toro said.

Laid-off Port Supervisor Bill Payne said not only the employees are suffering.

"This is a loss to our economy locally. It is a loss to the individuals and commercial enterprises that have been making use of the ferry," Payne said.