Ask The Mayor: Did the New Rental Car Facility Add More Rental Cars?

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his staff.

Q: Could you please clarify whether or not the new rental car facility at Kahului Airport actually added any additional rental cars that weren’t already available at separate rental car facilities? I see a lot of comments from people who believe there are hundreds, if not thousands, more rental cars on Maui now that they’ve opened the combined facility, and I’m very curious what is factual. Mahalo!

A: Thank you for this question because I know there have been many rumors and incorrect information that have spread about our new consolidated rental car (CONRAC) building.

My staff contacted Maui District Airports Manager Marvin Moniz, who confirmed that there has been no increase in the number of rental cars on our island. The only change rental car companies have made was moving their cars from seven sites surrounding Kahului Airport into the new building.

There is still one large lot that is holding inventory for all the rental car companies, and at certain times of the year cars may be brought in from off-island to cover holidays based on advanced bookings. However, these cars are also shipped back after the holidays.

Another fact I’d like to point out is that this facility was completely funded by our tourists, who paid for rental cars during their visit to Maui County. The CONRAC funding came from the state’s Customer Facility Charge, a daily $4.50 applied to customers who rent a car.

No taxpayer dollars were used to construct the building.

Our airport generates the most funds in all of Hawaiʻi and is the second busiest when it comes to passenger volume. It is vital our visitors pay for the impacts they are having on our island and I believe this project moves us in that direction by funding a facility that reduces energy costs and minimizes our carbon footprint.

Want to Ask The Mayor?

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at [email protected], by phone at 270-7855 or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email [email protected].