Debate about a high-speed ferry service, much like the now-defunct Hawaii Superferry, isn't over.

The House Transportation Committee approved a bill yesterday to study a state-sponsored ferry system that would be able to buy at least one high-speed vessel to carry passengers and vehicles between the islands.

Maui Rep. Joe Souki, Transportation Committee chairman, who had been a strong supporter of the privately run Superferry, wanted to set up the system, but objections from Reps. Roy Takumi and Faye Hanohano caused Souki to amend the bill and call for a study.

“;I don't think we can conclude that the state should be in a ferry system or run a ferry system,”; said Takumi (D, Pearl City-Pacific Palisades).

Souki agreed to a study, proposed by Hanohano (D, Pahoa-Kalapana), adding that he was a “;believer in a ferry system for the entire state.”;

  Superferry May Come Back To Hawaii

 

State lawmakers advanced a bill to consider restoring ferry service between the islands.

[ Watch ]

 

The Superferry shut down after a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling struck down as unconstitutional a new law allowing service without an environmental impact statement. The ferry started service in December 2007.

John Garibaldi, former chief executive officer of the company, said he is still a “;firm believer in a statewide ferry system for Hawaii. It would be beneficial to the state, and the period we operated was just a glimpse of what it could be.”;

“;Keeping the hope alive is something,”; Garibaldi said, adding that he did not think it was likely that a private company would try to start another ferry system in Hawaii.

Yesterday, state Transportation Department officials noted that the two Superferry vessels, claimed by the Maritime Administration as loan guarantor after the ferry company declared bankruptcy, were used in relief efforts in Haiti, which shows the benefits of having such ships in times of emergency.

But Mike Formby, deputy transportation director, added that a state-run system would be complicated.

“;It is a complex and finally challenging undertaking that will require the support of many parties, including the Legislature, the private sector and the communities that this system will serve,”; Formby said.

The bill now goes to the House Finance Committee.

The Superferry declared bankruptcy last June, and the $85 million ship was returned to Mobile, Ala., where it was built.

The Superferry faced objections and protests from environmentalists and neighbor island residents who thought it would bring unwanted traffic to the state's rural areas.