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Washington – On Wednesday, a judge dissolved a court injunction that banned the Hawaii Superferry from setting sail from Kahului Harbor.

Judge Maui Joseph Cardoza said the state did not violate any rules when lawmakers passed a bill allowing it to operate while an environmental assessment is being done.

Superferry President & CEO John Garibaldi responded to the ruling with this statement: “On behalf of Hawaii Superferry’s family of employees, we are pleased with the judge¹s decision today. We are grateful for the support shown by the governor, legislature, and residents of Hawaii and look forward to commencing service soon. We will announce our plan for resuming service as soon as it is confirmed.” A spokesperson says it may take a couple of weeks.

The motion was filed after Gov. Linda Lingle signed into law a bill authorizing large vessels like the Superferry to operate while an environmental study was being done. The law was passed by the Legislature in special session last month.

Superferry opponents have argued that the vessel shouldn’t sail until the environmental study is finished.

“As the interisland ferry service resumes, we will continue to work closely with environmental, cultural and agricultural organizations, the counties, the community and Hawaii Superferry officials to ensure specific conditions are followed to minimize the impact on Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources,” Lingle said in a statement.

“Throughout this public process, people with diverse opinions stepped forward to make their voices heard and to participate in state government. I thank everyone for their personal involvement, and encourage community leaders and residents to come together as we move forward as a state.”