HONOLULU -- Gov. Linda Lingle on Tuesday called state lawmakers back into a special session to pass a bill to allow the Hawaii Superferry to resume operations.

The Hawaii Superferry has been stalled on Oahu since a Maui judge banned it from Kahului Harbor until the state finished an environmental assessment.

The vessel has been going out only on courtesy trips like voyages to thank the military.

Lingle wants lawmakers to override the court's decision to get the ferry going again.

State lawmakers will open the special session at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

"I think by the end of this we will see a bill signed by the governor that will allow the ferry to sail. The bigger question is: how does the ferry reach out to the neighbor islands, Kauai and Maui in particular to try to bring the community together?" Rep. Kirk Caldwell said.

Senate President Colleen Hanabusa on Tuesday urged residents to participate in the special legislation whether they are for or against the ferry.

Senate committees will hold a hearing at the state Capitol on Wednesday at 10 a.m. for Oahu residents to raise their opinions on the Superferry issue.

Superferry company officials said the vessel can be ready to sail again within a week to 10 days of receiving clearance from lawmakers. The company plans to rehire all 249 employees that were furloughed recently.