Intracounty ferry service topic of online survey, community workshops

The County of Maui is seeking resident feedback in person and online about a potential ferry service to connect Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi with Maui.

Community members are asked to provide input on demand, routes and other preferences for a possible intracounty ferry. Options are being assessed in the Maui County Ferry Feasibility Study, a Maui County Council-initiated report that is being conducted by the County Department of Transportation. The study is anticipated to be finalized and presented to Council for consideration in February.

Residents are encouraged to take the online Maui County Ferry Feasibility Study Passenger Survey at https://bit.ly/mauiferry, which launched last week and will available until Aug. 3, 2024. The community is also encouraged to share insights at the following community workshops:

• Lānaʻi: Monday, July 29, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Lānaʻi Public Library, 333 Fraser Ave., Lānaʻi City
• Lahaina: Tuesday, July 30, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Lahaina Civic Center, 1840 Honoapiʻilani Highway, Lahaina
• Kahului: Wednesday, July 31, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Kahului Community Center, 275 Uhu St., Kahului
• Molokaʻi: Thursday, Aug. 1, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Kualapuʻu Community Center, 1 Uwao St., Kualapuʻu

“As we conduct the Maui County Ferry Feasibility Study, it is important for us to hear from the community on potential routes, frequency and other factors for an intracounty ferry that would connect Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi with Maui,” said County Department of Transportation Director Marc Takamori. “The community will drive the conceptual plan, and we will continue public outreach to make sure we are drafting a proposal that reflects residents’ needs and concerns.”

County Department of Transportation was directed by Maui County Council in the Council-Adopted FY24 Budget to conduct the Maui County Ferry Feasibility Study. Councilmembers have expressed the need to have reliable intracounty transportation due to limited air and water transit options. 

All meeting sites are ADA accessible. If special accommodations are needed to attend a meeting, contact the County Department of Transportation at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at (808) 270-7511 or public.transit@mauicounty.gov. 

For general information about the County Department of Transportation, visit https://mauicounty.gov/transportation.