Mala Wharf was not damaged during the Aug. 8 fire in Lahaina. The state plans to open the boat ramp in 30-60 days, once it has a trailer with restroom established onsite. PHOTO COURTESY OF DLNR.

LAHAINA — The state may open Mala Wharf for commercial and recreational boaters in 30 to 60 days, said state Board of Land and Natural Resources Chair Dawn Chang.

She led a West Maui Commercial Use Permit Community Meeting held via Zoom on Tuesday morning. Nearly 300 people attended the virtual meeting.

Chang said those who have offshore moorings in Lahaina who want to check on the status of their boats or secure their vessels for incoming bad weather must make arrangements with the U.S. Coast Guard (808-223-4064) for ocean access and Maui Police Department for land access at the ramp.

“Those are the only people that are permitted at this time to use Mala Wharf,” she said.

The Department of Boating & Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) has ordered a trailer that includes a restroom and office for Mala Wharf, and the state hopes to open the facility in 30 to 60 days.

In the aftermath of the massive fire in Lahaina on Aug. 8, 2023, water and electricity have not yet been restored at the boat ramp.

“Mala Wharf itself was not impacted by the fires, but because we do not have the capacity to manage Mala Wharf and to provide safe use — and I realize many of you may not need to use the water, you don’t need to use the bathroom, but we cannot distinguish between some users’ use and the public use,” Chang explained.

“So, we have determined that we will not open Mala Wharf for any vessel activity, including recreation or commercial, until we can get the trailer onsite, which includes an office and a restroom.”

Results are pending for tests of the ocean water quality offshore to see if it’s safe for human use.

“I understand that many of the commercial operators and local fishermen will be disappointed by our decision today, but safety and protection and preservation of our cultural and natural resources — including marine resources — for public health and safety is our primary concern,” she said.

The state will inform the boating community when Mala Wharf is ready to reopen.

Acknowledging long-standing friction between commercial and recreational boaters, Chang asked users to consider opening Mala Wharf for recreational activities Monday through Sunday, and commercial activities Monday through Friday, “so that we can leave the weekends for the recreational users.”

“We are all trying to figure out a good compromise. One that we can manage access; one that our facility can handle. So, I would like you all to consider that,” she said, emphasizing that no decisions have been made.

During the 2023 Legislative Session, $3.2 million was appropriated for upgrades at Mala Wharf, including roadway and parking lot resurfacing and restriping, and comfort station, lighting and drainage improvements. The funds have not yet been released.

At Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, the U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating through its contractor the removal of petroleum products, hazardous materials from sunken vessels and removal of the sunken vessels.

“After the U.S. Coast Guard has completed its mission, DOBOR will then proceed forward with contracting to rebuild the inner marginal wharf, which could take between 12 to 24 months,” said Chang.

The new ferry pier at Lahaina Harbor is intact.

Boaters have inquired about their Commercial Use Permits issued by DOBOR.

“Some of you have asked questions about your permits — some that are about to expire. The permits at Lahaina Harbor that have or are about to expire, if you have a vessel that is ready to operate, or operational, you may apply for a permit to be used at another facility if space is available,” she said.

“If you lost your vessel, you may notify DOBOR and be placed on a waitlist and be given priority when Lahaina Harbor is operational for vessels. But we are not issuing out permits if you do not have a vessel at this time.”

At Maalaea Small Boat Harbor, there is limited capacity for parking and restrooms. The Expeditions Maui-Lanai Ferry has been granted priority use of the ferry pier.

“However, DOBOR is also prioritizing the available slips at Maalaea Harbor for displaced Lahaina and Mala permittees subject to coordination with DOBOR, specifically Paul Sensano and his staff, so long as the capacity at Maalaea’s not exceeded, and commercial operators must shuttle their passengers because, again, of the limited infrastructure at Maalaea Small Boat Harbor,” Chang said.

“DOBOR is permitting vessel operators to share slips, so as long as you shuttle your passengers, you can share the slips.”

Commercial boaters — some who lost their homes and vessels in the fire — expressed concerns about securing permits.

Lahaina resident Lori Cunningham asked, “How will the DLNR be acting to support resiliency of the maritime vessels and permit holders on the West Side if you’re not providing them any assurance that they will be able to renew their permits?”

“I have several friends who are in the boating industry in Lahaina who use both the harbor and launching from Mala, and I support those businesses and their families. You know, they’re really good people — they’re committed to the nearshore reefs. They’re committed to providing essential conservation education, and I’d like to see them back in business when it’s time, but I’m not sure how they’re gonna be able to do that if you aren’t providing any security in the continuity of their permit.”

Chang said state rules require that permit applicants have a vessel. “You will have a priority place on the waitlist if you have an existing permit. But if you don’t have a vessel, you can’t get a permit,” she said.

“Again, we understand; we do realize that many people lost their homes. They lost their vessels, and their livelihoods were impacted, but our rules specifically require that you have to have a vessel if you’re gonna be issued a permit,” she continued.

“We understand that… Lahaina Harbor may not be operational for a while, so you will be placed on a waitlist. If you do not have a vessel but you have an existing permit, and you are in good standing… you will have one of the first permits that are available when we open and when you have a vessel. That’s the commitment that we can make to ensuring that those people who have existing permits can have an opportunity to get another permit when they have a vessel.”

When asked about the possibility of transporting customers to boats from Kaanapali Beach with skiffs, Chang said the state doesn’t plan to increase the capacity by adding any more activity at Kaanapali, but DOBOR will discuss the company’s specific situation.

Responding to a question by H.K. Takahashi, Chang said Mala’s 16 permittees will not be moved to Lahaina Harbor.

Takahashi noted that Mala Wharf was originally intended for anglers and recreational boaters, when Lahaina Harbor became maxed out.

“In the beginning, as far as I understand, Mala is supposed to just be a community ramp. With these long-standing issues and stuff, and the talks about expansion for repaving and stuff like that, let it be for the community and not for more commercial operations,” he said.

Chang and Coast Guard and state Department of Land & Natural Resources officials allowed citizens to ask questions for most of the three-hour meeting.