HONOLULU(KHON2)-- An essential service on pause, dealing another blow to Maui county communities.
Kamaka Air, the only air cargo servicing Molokai and Lanai, has stopped operations. That's according to Senator Lynn DeCoite (D) who said she found out about it early Wednesday morning.
"How serious of an issue is this really for the islands?" KHON asked DeCoite.
"It's a very serious issue," she replied. "As you know, we've already had our challenges with the other airline carrier for passengers and now to have lack of transport of the basic things for people's medical needs and I'm talking specimens that need to move, medical prescriptions and so forth that needs to be moved back and forth to Molokai, Lanai as well as the mail."
DeCoite said Kamaka Air has serviced the community for years without any issues. However, last month the company announced new leadership and a desire to expand, but added they may be dealing with other issues.
"There were changes that were made," DeCoite added, "Apparently a pilot situation on certification pilot has resigned they do not meet the qualifications under FAA operations so all operations have stopped."
For Molokai residents like Wailana Tanaka, the news is very concerning.
"Now how are we going to survive?" she asked.
Tanaka owns All Things Molokai, a small shop with a food counter in Kaunakakai. She said the service Kamaka Air provides is essential to the community
"Molokai uses and needs Kamaka Air to bring in, goods. The grocery stores, they use it five days a week, we have, you know, our car shops that use them every day. So it's not just businesses that are being impacted, it's going to be really be the whole island, that's going to feel it," Tanaka said.
With Kamaka Air services on pause DeCoite said Trans Air has temporarily stepped in to move some of the cargo including essential medical supplies.
"They are going to try stay there as long as possible," DeCoite explained. "But again, I believe there is a contract that is going to have to be done also with Trans Air. Trans Air is qualified to take on the needs and carry specimens."
Keith Sisson with Mokulele Airlines, the only passenger airline servicing Molokai and Lanai, said in a statement:
“We are aware of the initial situation and have been assisting with the movement of essential supplies and packages throughout the day today. We have been in communication with state leadership and are evaluating how we can assist to the best of our abilities going forward.”
"Kamaka Air, it's just not a service that, you know, can go away," explained Tanaka. "It's too it's too important. It's too critical."
KHON reached out to Kamaka Air and is waiting for a response. No word as to when or if they will resume operations.