The dedication of the Kaunakakai Harbor Ferry Terminal stands as vital recognition of the place our harbors continue to play in Hawai‘i’s economy. An active waterfront is a sign of economic activity, and improving our Ferry terminal will preserve our ability to serve our citizens transportation and economic needs. This project has been a long time coming, due mainly to the hard work and dedication of the Department of Transportation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the community members here on Moloka‘i. The upgrades made to Kaunakakai Harbor will provide both visitors and residents traveling between Maui and Moloka‘i with a new and improved experience. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and International Affairs, my colleagues and I worked toward the appropriation of state funds for the renovation of the Kaunakakai Harbor Ferry System. We understood how important it is to invest in our harbors, airports, highways and roads. Enhancements to the ferry facilities include news restrooms and a covered waiting area, making travel more comfortable for passengers, and upgrades to the sewer and fire protection systems to improve the safety of the facility. Operations here will also be more efficient because of the separation created between the cargo barge and the docked ferry. The facilities here accommodate inter-island cargo and fuel barges and commuter ferry service for ever-increasing daily passenger and visitor travel from the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor on Maui. Because of this, modernizing our harbors is vital to the economic and social well-being of our communities. With the closure of agriculture operations on Moloka‘i, many residents sought employment on Maui. Improving the ferry system and supporting infrastructure was an imminent project. Our state agencies did a great job in quickly identifying and seeking federal funding to undertake this project. It is through collaboration between the different parts of government – including the legislature, executive offices, and federal agencies – that we are able to build a better community for everyone.
Posted on: Fri, 23 May 2014 01:19:02 +0000
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