Hawaii Superferry announced this afternoon that it will start releasing workers on Friday.

The company has suspended operations following the state Supreme Court's ruling yesterday that the law that allowed the ferry to operate without a complete environmental impact statement was unconstitutional.

Hawaii Superferry employs 161 full- and part-time workers and 75 contract workers.

"These are exceptional people who have been valued members of our company," the company said in a news release. "Anyone who has sailed on Alakai can attest to their competence and aloha."

Hawaii Superferry said it is working with the Department of Labor's rapid response team to provide laid-off workers with assistance.