LIHUE, Hawaii -- A judge on Thursday did not make a ruling on whether the Hawaii Superferry may be banned from docking at Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai.

A hearing on Kauai was being held to decide whether a temporary restraining order should be issued. A citizens group asked for the TRO while the courts decide whether an environmental assessment should be completed before the Superferry is allowed to sail again.

The Coast Guard said it plans to designate an area for protesters on Kauai so they will not get in the way of the Hawaii Superferry when it resumes service to Nawiliwili Harbor. Protesters on canoes and surfboards blocked the ferry from entering the harbor on the vessel's last trip to the Garden Island.

A TRO is already in effect on Maui. A Maui judge will decide on Monday whether the ban will remain until the environmental review is finished.

The Kauai judge said he will probably make a ruling on Friday.

The Hawaii Superferry on Thursday informed the court that it would sail to Maui's Kahului Harbor to return passengers and their vehicles between the Valley Island and Oahu. The court granted the move in August.