Superferry shutdown
grounds museum fundraiser

Honolulu’s Contemporary Museum will still hold its annual fundraiser at Pier 19 next month, but the planned sunset cruise onboard the Hawaii Superferry was cancelled after an unfavorable ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court ended Superferry operations, leading to employee layoffs and the departure of the Alakai from the state.

“The recent state Supreme Court ruling has landlocked that part of the event,” Contemporary Museum officials said in a prepared statement. “We certainly are disappointed ... however, we are making every effort to ensure our patrons enjoy themselves.”

The flagship event, called ConTempo, will be held Saturday, April 18, at the Superferry’s terminal at Pier 19. It will include dinner, entertainment and a silent auction of paintings, photographs, ceramic pieces and sculptures by local artists. Additional artwork will be for sale apart from the auction. The event, which can accommodate up to 500 attendees, is almost sold out, said museum spokesman Charlie Aldinger. Call Gordon Wong at (808) 237-5210 for more information or to make reservations.

Last September, the nonprofit announced that it had cut its operating budget and laid off 25 employees to offset increased operating expenses brought about by the drop in market value of the museum’s endowment. The layoffs included 11 full-time and 14 part-time employees. 18 full-time and 5 part-time employees remained on the staff.