The Molokai Ferry has adopted a new sailing schedule. The owner says this month’s changes will help stop the financial “hemorrhaging” the ferry has seen in the last two years. But not everyone is happy about the new plan. Eileen Chao has more from The Maui News.
For nearly 30 years, the Molokai Ferry has made two round trips from Molokai to Maui every day. About a dozen Molokai residents depend on the service to get to their jobs in West Maui restaurants and hotels. They wake up early to catch the 5 a.m. boat out of Kauankakai Harbor, and endure the two-hour journey home after working eight-hour shifts.
Molokai commuters will now have to find a new way to get to their jobs on Maui. The Molokai Ferry began a new sailing schedule this month. Instead of twice-daily trips from Molokai, the 149-passenger vessel is now based out of Lahaina, Maui. It makes one trip to Molokai and back on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Owner Dave Jung says the changes are needed to keep the ferry afloat in the face of rising competition from airlines. Those operators are able to provide cheaper fares and much shorter commutes. Jung says he will add voyages when needed to accommodate large groups like high school sports teams. The Molokai High School Football Team was concerned that travel by plane, with added fees for their equipment, would deplete the school's travel budget before the season is over.
Those wishing to ride the ferry should make reservations online at least 48 hours before departure. If a scheduled voyage has fewer than 20 passengers, it may be canceled.
