Listening session for West Maui boaters and commercial operators, Oct. 3

The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation hosting a virtual community informational meeting on Oct. 3 from 9 to 11 a.m. to provide status updates on DOBOR facilities in West Maui and answer questions related to resumption of commercial vessel operations in West Maui.

This is a follow-up meeting DLNR Chair Dawn Chang and representatives from the DOBOR had with commercial operators earlier this month. 

“We recognize that even before the Lahaina fire there were conflicts between commercial vessel operations, especially at Māla Wharf, and community recreational users. For this reason, we are encouraging fishers, commercial vessel operators, and interested community members to attend this informational meeting so everyone can share and hear respective interests and concerns at the same time before decisions are made,” said Chang.    

The reopening of Māla Wharf will be a coordinated effort with the County of Maui to ensure safe access from the land side, US Coast Guard’s lifting its Safety Zone restriction from the ocean, and DLNR determining that harbor facilities are safe and adequate for the anticipated uses.  

At the earlier meeting, displaced Lahaina Harbor and Mala Wharf commercial operators were informed to reach out to DOBOR for available slips at the Māʻalaea Small Boat Harbor. It could be at least a year before the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor has been reconstructed and available for vessel use, according to department officials.

Information about how to attend the virtual webinar is posted below. 

Community and Commercial Operator Meeting on West Maui Boating facilities: 

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81147700639?pwd=lieIx08CYgUrzegs13mEcQALdqXU5g.B6gfrYfqhAB3bIQE
Webinar ID: 811 4770 0639 
Passcode: q6uWw7 

Or by phone: 719-359-4580 
Webinar ID: 811 4770 0639 
Passcode: 947636