A larger protest rally is set for Saturday on Maui.

The ferry was originally set to start the islands' first car and passenger service between Honolulu and both Maui and Kauai in August, but it was delayed after protesters on Kauai and lawsuits on both islands intervened to stop it, pending conduct of a full environmental assessment.

The state had cleared the way for the $300 million ferry service to operate without a report of its impact on the ocean and land environment, but the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that decision was in error.

After Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza on Maui followed the high court ruling with a restraining order against the ferry, the Democrat-controlled Legislature and Lingle stepped in to allow the Superferry to operate while the review is conducted.

Superferry critics say the new interisland service will spread invasive species among the islands, cause traffic tie-ups and endanger humpback whales. Superferry officials say they've taken steps to alleviate any problems.