Hawaii Superferry Announces Layoffs

Officials with the Hawaii Superferry has announced it will cease operations, and lay off an undisclosed number of workers, in the wake of a state Supreme Court ruling this week.

The justices ruled against a law, passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Linda Lingle, that allowed the Superferry to operate without completing an environmental study.

One final trip will take place tomorrow, to rescue stranded customers and equipment.

Total employment at the Hawaii Superferry is 161 full- and part-time employees, and 75 contracted employees.

The Hawaii Superferry is a Hawaii-based transportation company providing daily passenger and vehicle transportation between Honolulu Harbor on the island of Oʻahu, and Kahului Harbor on Maui. Legal issues over environmental impact statements, and protests from residents of Maui and Kauai, temporarily delayed the implementation of service, but service between Oʻahu and Maui started in December 2007.