# Maui Ferry Program Meeting on Sept. 16 at the Lahaina Civic Center

The County of Maui’s Maui Ferry Program community meeting (metadata date: October 21, 2026; the title references September 16) covered plans for a county-supported, passenger-only ferry service, initially serving Lānaʻi and potentially expanding to Molokaʻi. The County is targeting vessels for about 149 passengers and expects to issue a competitive request for proposals in January, with a contract award anticipated in spring or mid-2027. The current Expeditions service is expected to continue, and the County’s goal is to avoid a service interruption during the transition. Vessel design, procurement, and construction are proceeding separately; estimates discussed were uncertain, roughly $6–10 million per vessel. Route and harbor choices, vessel size, and Lahaina service timing remain subject to environmental review, community input, and operational constraints.

The preliminary 2027 operating and maintenance estimate for the Lānaʻi route was about $5 million to $5.2 million, excluding vessel costs. The County estimated roughly 60% farebox recovery—about $3 million on a $5 million operating budget—with the remaining funding potentially coming from County, state, and federal sources. Fares and fees would be addressed through the County budget and ordinance process, rather than the Public Utilities Commission process, as described at the meeting. The County is conducting an environmental assessment under HRS Chapter 343, including cultural impact and Kapaʻakai analyses, and hopes to complete it around May 2027. Participants raised fare affordability, resident access, parking and landside connections, harbor limits, and managing visitor demand. No votes or contract awards were reported; staff will continue outreach and consider community suggestions.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Transportation
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 21, 2026

### Sources
- [Maui Ferry Program Meeting on Sept. 16 at the Lahaina Civic Center](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r91P7iasfwk) - County of Maui