- Rules affecting development in the census area of Lahaina and Maui County were reported on June 19, 2026.
- Maui County passed the fiscal 2027 budget, with Mayor Bissen signing it into law, leading to fund allocations for the Haggai Institute and Kuʻikahi housing projects in Wailuku.
- Maui County is undertaking efforts to improve infrastructure within Lahaina.
Maui County Plans to Restore Interisland Ferry Service Using Lahaina Harbor
What happened
Maui County is moving forward with a proposal for a publicly operated interisland ferry service. This service aims to restore connections to Moloka‘i and take over the existing service to Lāna‘i. The county plans for the service to launch for Lāna‘i next year and for Moloka‘i in 2029. The routes would operate out of Mā‘alaea and Lahaina harbors on Maui, depending on the progress of rebuilding after the 2023 wildfire.
From mauinow.com
Why it matters
The county's plan involves utilizing Lahaina harbor as a potential operational hub for the future service. The ferry service would offer cheaper fares and routes, supporting residents who rely on the travel for work, medical appointments, and commerce.
Maui County is currently undertaking efforts to improve infrastructure within Lahaina, which is a key part of the island's recovery.
From mauinow.com
Who's involved
- LahainaLahaina is proposed as a potential operational hub for the future ferry service.
- Maui CountyMaui County is proposing and managing the publicly operated interisland ferry service.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Maui CountySpeculative
The county could manage the operational costs and service requirements of the restored interisland ferry service.
How this reaches others
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Part of
Maui County is undertaking efforts to improve infrastructure within Lahaina.Also in this story
- Starlink provides internet service in Maui, which is part of Maui County, following the Lahaina wildfires.
- Lahaina is functioning as a community center and operational hub for county efforts in the larger island area.
- Lahaina and Maui County organized a career fair to support economic development efforts.
- HDOT is initiating studies for a bypass project in Maui County, backed by county disaster funds, and is holding informational meetings at a local high school.
The entities involved
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Lahaina
census designated place in West Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States
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Maui County
county in Hawaii, United States
Related events
- County is encouraging Lahaina residents to attend a meeting regarding ongoing issues.
- County land use policy in the area of Lahaina and Maui County is currently under review.
- Maui County, the governing body of the island, suffered from the 2023 fire disaster.
- Wailuku residents are addressing local policy issues while Lahaina continues to deal with the aftermath of wildfires and associated traffic problems.
- Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu counties reported significant drops in permits, while East Coast tourism showed domestic bright spots.