Molokai-Maui
ferry service
expands to meet
rising demand

Sea Link of Hawaii will
add 3 weekly legs to its
cross-channel yacht commute

By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

An increase in demand for seats on the commuter ferry from Molokai to Maui has prompted the company to expand its service, including Sundays, beginning this week.

David Jung, president of Sea Link of Hawaii, which operates the 149-passenger yacht Molokai Princess, said ridership has increased five times since it started on May 7. "It's a very economical way to travel," said Jung.

Currently, the ferry service runs from Monday through Saturday. Sea Link will add two additional ferry rides on Fridays; the first is scheduled to depart from Lahaina Harbor at 7:30 a.m. and arrive at Kaunakakai at 8:45 a.m., while the second will depart from Molokai at 3:30 p.m. and arrive in Maui at 4:45 p.m.

On Sundays the ferry will leave Molokai at 3:30 p.m. and arrive in Maui at 5 p.m.

A previous ferry service stopped in October 1996 after Gov. Ben Cayetano terminated a $300,000 state subsidy.

"We're hoping we'll make this work," said Jung. "We're just getting started. People are getting familiar with the schedule." He anticipates the ridership to grow even larger with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Employers may purchase a $15 round-trip ferry ticket for Molokai commuters who are full-time employees on Maui. The regular rate is $40 for adults and $20 for children.

Residents are quick to point out the economic advantage of traveling by sea rather than by air.

"Everybody is looking forward to it," said James Kleeman, 74, of Kaunakakai.

Kleeman said not only does the ferry assist local business people, but also Molokai athletic teams that can travel to Maui by ferry at a reasonable rate. The ferry rate is almost half the air fare rate, he said.

Desiree Cabreros, 22, of Ala Malama, said many people in Molokai eagerly awaited a ferry service. "Now, the airlines are getting so ridiculous ... too expensive."

"I'd rather go on the boat than go on the plane," said Cabreros. "It's just cheaper."