# Maui Ferry Program Meeting on Sept. 15 at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center

The County of Maui held a community outreach meeting on its ferry program (metadata lists Oct. 21, 2026, while the meeting title references Sept. 15). The county described plans to continue passenger-only service between Maui and Lānaʻi, potentially beginning under county support in 2027, and to consider service to Molokaʻi as early as 2029. A competitive RFP for ferry operations and maintenance is planned for January 2027; the current operator, Expeditions, and other vendors could compete. The county expects projected operating costs of about $5 million, with a target of roughly 60% fare recovery (about $3 million) and the balance potentially supported by county, state, or federal funding. No procurement award, spending vote, or motion was made at this outreach meeting.

The team said the Lānaʻi vendor would be expected to provide vessels, while Molokaʻi service would require new vessels and additional funding; preliminary planning assumes at least two vessels per route. An environmental assessment is underway, with a finding of no significant impact anticipated around May 2027. Discussion solicited public input on fares, schedules, luggage and cargo, accessibility, emergency use, and connecting transportation. Participants also raised possible discounted fares for residents and community groups, and the need for local shuttle capacity. These matters remain under consideration, not finalized policy or procurement decisions.

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

### Sources
- [Maui Ferry Program Meeting on Sept. 15 at the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2kj1lSKy70) - County of Maui