GOVERNOR LINGLE SIGNS LEGISLATION AND ESTABLISHES CONDITIONS TO PRESERVE INTER-ISLAND FERRY SERVICE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

November 5 - Governor Lingle has signed into law a bill (SB1 SD1, Act 2) to allow an inter-island ferry service to operate while the state conducts an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  She also announced more than 40 separate conditions and sub-conditions that are designed to minimize the impact of the ferry's operation on Hawai‘i’s environment.

“This legislation and the conditions the ferry service will be required to follow will preserve an important inter-island transportation alternative for the people of Hawai‘i while protecting our natural and cultural resources,” said Governor Lingle.  “I want to commend the bipartisan effort of the Legislature to pass this bill.   I also want to thank all of our citizens who took the time to contact lawmakers or who testified in person to make their voices heard on this important issue.”

• Watch a news conference with the Governor, read the news release, the Governor's Executive Order and her letter to Senate President Hanabusa and House Speaker Say.