Maui Ferry Program Meeting on Sept. 17 at the Mitchell Pauʻole Community Center

The County of Maui held a community outreach meeting on the proposed Maui Ferry Program. The meeting title references Sept. 17, while the supplied meeting-date metadata is Oct. 21, 2026. County staff described plans to issue a competitive RFP next year for a private vendor to provide vessels and operate and maintain ferry service under county contract. The initial service would continue the Maui–Lānaʻi route, with expansion to Molokaʻi targeted for as early as 2029. The county is not planning to purchase vessels initially, though that may be considered later; the RFP is expected to specify service and vessel-maintenance performance measures. No contract award or vote occurred.

Staff estimated operating costs at about $5 million, excluding new-vessel construction, and discussed a target 60% farebox recovery—about $3 million in ticket revenue—with the remaining roughly $2 million expected from county, state, and federal support. New-vessel design work is underway, with construction estimated to take about two years; the environmental assessment is targeting a finding of no significant impact by May 2027. Residents emphasized affordable fares, medical and family travel, accessibility, cargo and luggage needs, connections to other transportation, and prioritizing Molokaʻi service. Fare proposals and operating policies remain preliminary and will require further public input and, for rates and fees, council and budget processes.