HONOLULU -- State lawmakers are working on a revised bill that would allow the Hawaii Superferry to operate during environmental reviews and they want to go to the neighbor islands for input.

The Superferry has so divided and enraged neighbor island communities, it makes sense to seek their ideas, lawmakers said.

Legislators are considering hearings on the Big Island, Kauai and Maui.

They said neighbor islanders impacted by the ferry, should not have to pay to fly here to testify.

"I think the people of Maui are somewhat divided on the Superferry issue and it's unfortunate, and I think through continued dialogue we can have better cooperation and hopefully we can address a majority of the concerns," Sen. Shan Tsutui said.

"Public input is absolutely necessary to this whole process, and when you think of the Superferry saga it is something that should have happened a long time ago," Rep. Kirk Caldwell said.

Neighbor Island hearings may delay the start of a special session but supporters believe the input would make for better legislation

Gov. Linda Lingle said on Friday she is canceling her 11-day trip to Asia to stay in town for a Hawaii Superferry special session.

The governor said if lawmakers want to take extra time for hearings on the neighbor islands, that is their prerogative, but they should be mindful of the impact of such delays on the Superferry.

"Anyone with a basis understanding of finance economics would realize that this company, or any company in a similar situation, cannot go on forever," Lingle said.

Lawmakers said expect some neighbor islanders at hearings will be furious.