Three groups are challenging a law that allowed the ship to begin interisland trips

Superferry officials are touting increased ridership, but one year after a state Supreme Court ruling nearly scuttled the interisland service, they face another legal challenge that is threatening to return the ship’s fate to the same court.

On Aug. 23, 2007, the court ruled in favor of anti-Superferry environmentalists in a decision that triggered a flurry of activity, including Kauai protesters blocking the 350-foot ferry Alakai from docking at Nawiliwili Harbor and a Maui judge issuing a ban on the ship sailing to Maui’s Kahului Harbor.

A state law passed in October allowed the service to resume, but the Sierra Club and two Maui groups are challenging that law as unconstitutional.

If they persuade the Hawaii Supreme Court to strike down the law, the groups contend the Superferry must again halt its operations until the state conducts a new environmental impact statement, a process that could take months.

Tom Fargo, Superferry president and chief executive officer, declined to say what would happen if the groups prevail. A court decision isn’t expected for weeks.

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(Source: Ken Kobayashi, Honolulu Star-Bulletin)

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