State sees no new Superferry appeals

State Attorney General Mark Bennett said his office has no more court appeals to make after the Hawaii State Supreme Court denied a motion to reconsider its decision declaring a law that allowed the Hawaii Superferry to operate while preparing an environmental study unconstitutional.

“;We're disappointed,”; Bennett said. “;We accept their decision, as of course we must.”;

The Superferry shut down after its last voyage between Oahu and Maui on March 19 because of the Supreme Court's decision.

The high court ruled yesterday that a law known as Act 2, passed in 2007 by state legislators, was unconstitutional and provided special legislation for the Superferry to operate while it was preparing the environmental impact report.

Hawaii Superferry officials were unavailable for comment.

Schofield gate closes for upgrades

Schofield Barracks' Lyman Gate, which is normally used for visitors, will be closed from today through May 29 for security upgrades.

Visitors and drivers needing visitor passes should enter Schofield using McNair Gate, off Wilikina Drive. McNair Gate will be open to inbound traffic only, 24 hours a day. The visitor control center will be located in the Stoneman Field parking lot, which is on the left as drivers proceed through the gate.

Vehicles can also enter and leave via Foote and Macomb gates.

Funston Gate, which is located between McNair and Macomb gates, will be open from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, only for outbound traffic. However, drivers will only be allowed to make right turns onto Wilikina Drive due to safety considerations.

Neighbor Islands

Lihue, Kauai » Kauai police will close Rice, Hoolako and Umi streets beginning at 6:45 a.m. Saturday for the 31st annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, which starts at 7 a.m. The walk begins and ends at the Historic County Building.

Kalaupapa, Molokai » Kalaupapa National Historical Park will get $536,000 in federal stimulus money, according to U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. The money will be used to rehabilitate historic Paschoal Hall at the park, according to a news release.

Hilo, Hawaii » Sig Zane, founder of tropical clothing company Sig Zane Designs, is the primary speaker at the graduation ceremony for Hawaii Community College in Hilo Friday. The event starts at 7 p.m. at Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Stadium. There are 329 graduates. The student speaker is Mesepa Fa'avae.