Victorino Urges Competitive Interisland Airfares

Photo credit: County of Maui, Office of Council Services.

Maui County Council Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Michael P. Victorino has introduced a resolution urging competition and lower fares for interisland air travel.

“Being with your family for the holidays shouldn’t break the bank,” Victorino said in a county issued press release today.  “Families should be able to get together for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other celebrations, even if some relatives live on a different island.  But for many, it’s just too expensive to fly interisland,” he said.

The resolution states that, “since 2008, Hawaiʻi has only had the services of one major commercial airline providing interisland flights,” and “the lack of competition has resulted in airfare prices that are cost prohibitive to many people who wish to travel interisland.”

Victorino said the resolution cites the importance of interisland travel to access specialized and urgent medical care that may be unavailable on the neighbor islands. He said he wants to encourage competition for Hawaiian Airlines.

“I urge federal and state officials with jurisdiction over air travel to help create a more competitive market for Hawaiʻi,” he said.

Victorino said the resolution will be considered by the council on Dec. 4 at 9 a.m. in the Council Chamber. Written testimony may be submitted via email to [email protected].