After a year and a half of review, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has granted Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines authority to carry cargo between island ports, provisionally through the end of 2013.
Smaller harbors, like Kaumalapau on Lanai and Kaunakakai on Molokai, are served by Young Brothers barges. For decades, Young Brothers has subsidized the small islands from its profitable routes to big harbors.
In its decision and order, the PUC said, “The addition of a second water carrier of property would also minimize any potential harm or inconvenience to the public that would occur if existing services are disrupted.”