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Posted: Monday, October 8th, 2007 4:51 AM HST

Decision expected today on Hawaii Superferry

By Associated Press

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) _ A Maui judge is set to decide today whether the Hawaii Superferry can make trips between the islands at the same time as it does an environmental study. The ferry has sat in Honolulu Harbor since late August after the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that the state shouldn't have exempted it from an environmental study required by law. The study would examine whether the ferry will harm whales, spread invasive species and create traffic. Maui Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza has heard four weeks of testimony from 29 witnesses. He previously halted the Superferry with a temporary restraining order following the state Supreme Court's ruling. Today's decision will be more permanent. Attorney Isaac Hall says the law clearly states the assessment must be done before the ferry can start service. Hall represents three groups that have been pushing for the environmental study. (Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved)