Haw. Rev. Stat. § 268-1.5

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the department, in lieu of establishing the Hawaii State Ferries, an inter-island or intra-island ferry or ferry system operated and maintained by the State under the provisions of the chapter, may enter into a contract, lease, or other agreement with any person to provide for a privately operated ferry or ferry system; provided that no contract, lease, or other agreement shall be made except under contract let after public advertisement for sealed tenders, subject to the provisions under chapter 103D.