HONOLULU -- Some state lawmakers said a Maui judge's ruling to stop the Hawaii Superferry from operating surprised them.

Judge Joseph Cardoza ruled that the Superferry must conduct an environmental study before it sails

House Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell said he was "very surprised to see the judge say flat out that the Superferry could not sail."

He said he thought Cardoza would allow the ferry to operate with stipulations.

Caldwell said the state House would hold an emergency meeting with its members at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday to gauge their thoughts on a special session.

Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and House Speaker Calvin Say met with Gov. Linda Lingle on Tuesday afternoon to see if she has proposed legislation that would be needed for lawmakers to pass in a special session.

The Senate president said she is very concerned that the judge null and voided the operating agreement the Superferry had with the state to use Kahului Harbor's pier. She said it could open the state up to a lawsuit.

Hanabusa said she would ask the governor for time to caucus with her members before holding a special session. It would probably be later in the week since several members are on Maui for a Ways and Means Committee meeting.

Hanabusa said it may be difficult to pass legislation to help the Superferry operate. Some lawmakers may be uncomfortable going against another branch of the government and that some members may feel passing a law would be favoring special interest, she said.