HONOLULU -- Gov. Linda Lingle visited the new Hawaii Superferry on Wednesday for a tour.

The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and members of her Cabinet for the tour of the $85 million interisland vessel.

Issues such as whether the ship could spread invasive species among the islands and how the ship could affect marine life in Hawaiian waters are being addressed, Lingle said.

The ferry is scheduled to begin service between Oahu, Maui and Kauai late next month.

The vessel, the Alakai, was opened to the public for tours last weekend and the company plans to conduct more public tours, according to officials.

The vessel can carry 860 passengers and about 110 vehicles.

The Hawaii Superferry plans to open up service between Oahu and the Big Island in 2009.