NEED TO KNOW / NEWS STYLE TIPS TRENDS

After sailing stormy seas for more than a year, Hawaii Superferry declared bankruptcy last week. The filing came two months after a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling caused the company to suspend operations. The Superferry, the only passenger ship connecting the islands, had shuttled vehicles and passengers from Oahu to Maui from August 2007 until March of this year, when the state Supreme Court ruled that a state law allowing the company to operate while an environmental study was being conducted was unconstitutional. The company’s $85-million, 364-foot vessel, the Alakai, has returned to Mobile, Ala., where it was manufactured by Austal USA. Last fall, Hawaii Superferry suspended delivery of a second ship, the Huakai, because of the poor economy.

In a statement, the company said it had sought other charter opportunities but found none in time to meet its financial obligations.

-- Rosemary McClure

Hawaiian ferry goes bankrupt

Cruises return

With the swine flu frenzy abating, cruise ships are beginning to sail back into Mexican ports, and most are expected to resume their normal itineraries by June 15, said Mexico Minister of Tourism Rodolfo Elizondo. Cruise ship visits ceased in April, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert warning against nonessential travel to Mexico. The warning was recently relaxed, prompting Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Princess to resume southern port stops. At least three ships visited Cozumel during the last week.

-- Rosemary McClure

Short-film fest

Add some sizzle to your summer at Palm Springs International ShortFest, where new short films will be showcased June 23 to 29. The annual film festival and market will introduce more than 320 new short films, programmed in 90-minute packages that link stories in various genres, including comedies, thrillers, films noir, dramas, romances and documentaries. More than 20,000 film enthusiasts and filmmakers attend annually, with many special events scheduled, such as theme parties, seminars and master classes. Tickets are $10 for each 90-minute program, with ticket packages available. All films are screened at the Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs. Info: (760) 322-2930, www.psfilmfest.org.

-- Rosemary McClure

Handy tool

The Zibra Open It multi-tool may quickly earn its keep in a glove compartment or suitcase. At first glance, the 10-inch-long tool looks like a pair of clunky wire cutters -- which it is. But the spring-loaded, double-bladed steel sheers can also cut open tough plastic clamshell packaging and blister seals on lids. One arm of the handle houses an interchangeable Phillips and slotted mini-screwdriver for opening small battery compartments on toys and electronics. The other arm contains a slim retractable utility knife (with a safety lock) that can slice through CD cellophane or cardboard boxes. Best to pack in a checked bag if flying. It is $13; (866) 869-7544, www.enjoyzibra.com

-- Judi Dash