Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeGovernor Lingle Requests Suspension on Superferry

Governor Lingle Requests Suspension on Superferry

HONOLULU (KHNL) - The request to suspend service to Kauai came from Governor Linda Lingle.

She believes Superferry is being treated unfairly, but says she has to put the public first.

"I'm concerned about the safety of people. We have reason to believe that they would be in the water again trying to stop a huge vessel on a surfboard and that's a recipe for a serious problem so we're asking Superferry don't go in, let's make certain the public safety is protected," said Governor Lingle.

"It was clear that the Superferry should not be singled out for an environmental assessment. Norwegian Cruise Lines didn't do an environmental assessment, Matson didn't, Young Brothers doesn't. No operating vessel has ever done an environmental assessment and to ask one company to be subject to that was simply not fair. "

And while the governor is disappointed, she says she has no regrets.

Lingle says the state followed the law and made all the right decisions regarding the ferry service.