GOVERNOR FOCUSES ON PRESERVING HAWAI`I SUPERFERRY SERVICE

October 12 - In order to preserve a valuable inter-island transportation option for the people of Hawai`i, Governor Lingle is focusing on working with members of the state Legislature as they consider a special session to enable the Hawai`i Superferry service to continue operating.

"A large majority of the public wants this service to stay, and I am operating on that basis," the Governor said. "This is something good for the people of Hawai`i and I want to do whatever I can to preserve this option.  They want it, and I want it for them."

For this reason, the Governor announced that she will postpone an 11-day business trip to Asia and continue meeting with legislators and community leaders. The Governor was scheduled to travel to Korea, China and Japan from October 23 - November 3 to strengthen business, tourism and education relations.  Legislators had indicated that a special session could start on October 22 or 23.

"It's important to understand the extreme long-term negative impact if we are not successful in resolving this in a way that will allow the Superferry to continue service," the Governor said.  "This is going to take real leadership to focus on keeping this service for the people of Hawai`i.  We must approach this in a cooperative way, understand the other side and reach a consensus."

• Read an editorial by Governor Lingle.