HONOLULU (KHON2) — Maui County is exploring inter-island travel options and is seeking public input on a potential ferry service that connects the islands of Lanai and Molokai to Maui.
The community is encouraged to share their thoughts on routes, frequency, and other critical aspects of the proposed service.
Officials said the ferry service would not only enhance interisland travel but open up opportunities for federal infrastructure funding for harbor improvements across all Hawaiian islands.
Maui County Councilmember Gabe Johnson envisions the ferry to be a service for the public, rather than a profit-driven company.
“When the government owns a transportation, I support that. I want to put the ‘public’ into public transportation. That’s the whole point of this. If it does get sold to a billionaire or anyone who wants to make money off of it, their decision-making will be profit-driven. Ours as a county will be service driven,” said Johnson.
Community members can visit the Maui County Ferry Feasibility Study Passenger Survey online before August 3rd, 2024.
Or you can share your insights in person at four planned community workshops:
Lānaʻi: Monday, July 29, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Lānaʻi Public Library, 333 Fraser Ave., Lānaʻi City
Lahaina: Tuesday, July 30, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Lahaina Civic Center, 1840 Honoapiʻilani Highway, Lahaina
Kahului: Wednesday, July 31, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Kahului Community Center, 275 Uhu St., Kahului
Molokaʻi: Thursday, Aug. 1, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Kualapuʻu Community Center, 1 Uwao St., Kualapuʻu