HONOLULU -- State lawmakers are awaiting the outcome of the Hawaii Superferry case on Maui because they may call a special session to keep the ferry sailing even if it is ordered to conduct an environmental assessment.

Some lawmakers hope the judge will make a decision that will be acceptable to all parties in the case and avoid the need for legislators to enact special legislation for the Superferry.

---

Maui Judge To Decide Superferry's Fate
Be among the first to know the ruling. Sign up for local breaking news alerts.

---

The Superferry's president said his company is losing $650,000 a week by not operating, and it will leave the islands if it's barred from operation while conducting an environmental study that could last eight months.

The state House majority leader said lawmakers are waiting until the Maui judge decides the case.

"It's premature to say what we're going to do until the court rules, and that is the position of the House and the Senate now," Rep. Kirk Caldwell said.

Caldwell said a special session may not be necessary.

"The court, hopefully will rule in a way that will allow the ferry to sail, but with conditions that will address most of the environmental concerns," Caldwell said.

This past weekend, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin newspaper released results of a statewide poll that found nearly two-thirds of those questioned think the ferry should be allowed to resume service if the court orders an environmental assessment.

"For most people locally, they really don't want to see the Superferry go. I think there's a lot of support for that operation," Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland said.

Chun Oakland, state Senate majority whip, said if the Senate enacts special legislation for the Superferry, it will review the environmental effects of other ocean-using businesses as well.

"We do want to look at something comprehensive, not only for the Superferry, but for all water uses," she said.

She said that would include cruise ships and other businesses.

The attorney for Maui environmentalists who oppose the ferry said the Legislature should not try to save one company.

"That's always a bad idea to pass special legislation that's just aimed at one business," attorney Isaac Hall said.

Senate President Colleen Hanabusa told KITV that the Senate will decide whether a special session is needed after the judge rules in the Maui case.

If you want to find out what the decision is right after it happens, sign up for local breaking news alerts.