HONOLULU -- The question of whether the Hawaii Superferry has to undergo an environmental assessment is now before the state's highest court.

The Sierra Club and other groups argued that an environmental impact statement has to be filed before the Superferry can operate. Their attorney contends there has not been enough research done on the Superferry's impact on traffic at Kahului Harbor and on whale migrations and alien species transported between islands.

"They haven't done the studies. They haven't developed mitigation measures. So, they're just going ahead and doing their project without any mitigation. That's totally irresponsible," Sierra Club attorney Isaac Hall said.

The state countered that the Superferry has already exceeded those requirements.

The vessel is scheduled to begin operations next week. It is not known when the high court will issue a ruling.