Ferry Facility Improvements Proposed at Kaunakakai

By Wendy Osher

Mauinow.com file photo.

The state Department of Land and Natural resources is proposing ferry facility improvements at Kaunakakai Harbor.

Currently, the ferry, Molokai Princess, operated by Sea Link Hawaii, carries an average of about 20-25 commuters and about 25 tourists daily between Kaunakakai Commercial Harbor and the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor. It has been identified as a vital economic and social service to the residents of Maui County because of the affordable transportation option it provides to those accessing employment, government, health services, education, and shopping off-island.

Proposed work includes conversion of the existing 672-square foot ferry shelter into a restroom facility and constructing a new 625-square foot ferry shelter on the west side of the converted building.

There are also plans to construct a sewer lift station to pump wastewater, build a new sewer force main, construct a waterline for fire protection, install three new fire hydrants, and rehabilitate a portion of the pier with the placement of a dozen new piles.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources filed a final environmental assessment for the project with a finding of no significant impact. There is no comment period.