A draft environmental impact statement for the Hawaii Superferry won't be released until the beginning of next year.

State officials had planned to release the draft by yesterday, but are still reviewing the report.

“;There are so many individual studies we have to prepare for the draft,”; said Michael Formby, deputy transportation director of the state Harbors Division.

“;If we stuck to the deadline that we previously put out which was the end of October, we would have to go in and amend the draft which is additional costs and additional time,”; Formby said.

Studies under review include operational configuration of all harbors statewide as well as improvements to Kahului Harbor. Other issues are the impact the Superferry has on marine animals and plants and invasive species, cultural resources and the economy.

Public hearings on the environmental impact statement were held throughout the state from March to May. Once the draft is completed, the public will have 45 days to comment on the draft. The final report is due to be released in mid-June 2009.

The Hawaii Superferry's vessel, the Alakai, conducts trips between Maui and Oahu.

State lawmakers met in special session to pass a law allowing the Superferry to operate while an environmental impact statement is prepared.

In August 2007, the state Supreme Court ruled that an environmental assessment should have been done before construction of improvements at Kahului Harbor for the Superferry.

Meanwhile, the launch of the second ship to conduct trips to the Big Island has been delayed for a year due to uncertain economic times. The delay is expected to save the company an estimated $10 million in startup costs. The new ship was due to launch in May.