Transportation

Young Brothers Seeking Rate Increase

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

The cost of living on the islands continues to rise as Young Brothers, Ltd. (YB) seeks to increase their shipping rates. During a visit to Molokai last week, YB’s Vice President of Strategic Planning and Government Affairs Roy Catalani explained that dropping volumes of cargo are forcing the company to apply to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for a rate increase of about 24 percent. Their last rate increase was in August 2009.

Along with lower cargo volume, a second shipping company, Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines, has entered the Hawaii market. They are “cherry-picking” service to larger harbors but not serving smaller ports like Molokai, according to Catalani. Pasha began service in February; their presence could also affect YB’s rising costs of operations.

Posted in Business, Community, Transportation

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Ferry Increases Price Again

Friday, May 6th, 2011

Those who travel by car or truck aren’t the only victims of the high gas prices – skyrocketing oil rates have forced Sea Link Hawaii, who runs the Molokai Princess between Maui and Molokai, to raise their ferry fares yet again.

The increased fuel surcharge brings up a one-way adult fare to $63.60, from $59.36, effective May 1. They last increased their rates effective in January 2011.

“Our base prices remain the same,” said Dave Jung, general manager of Sea Link. “We hate to do it, that’s just how it has to be – if fuel goes up, makes it harder and harder for people to travel.”