NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Council urges mayor to fund Molokai ferry

WAILUKU » Maui County Council members are taking a first step toward subsidizing the Molokai-to-Maui ferry to keep it afloat.

The Council Tuesday adopted a resolution calling on Mayor Alan Arakawa to submit a budget amendment appropriating $500,000 for the ferry.

The Maui News reported Wednesday the money would come from the county’s economic development revolving fund, which has a $1 million balance.

Ferry revenue and ridership have declined sharply in the past six months in part because airlines are offering cheaper rates.